Decision details

Purpose of report: The Childcare Act sets out a duty that every Local Authority needs to make sure that the childcare available matches the needs of local families. To show that there is sufficient childcare every Local Authority needs to carry out a “childcare sufficiency assessment”. This involves talking to a wide range of people and partner agencies to find out what they want from childcare and then comparing this to what is available. The “sufficiency assessment” is carried out in full every three years but updated in part every year. This report will feed back initial findings on York’s second full childcare sufficiency assessment. The report will also detail proposals on finalising the sufficiency assessment and developing an action plan to address identified gaps in childcare.

The Executive Member is asked to: Note the report and to provide feedback on the proposals for the development of an action plan to address any identified gaps in childcare provision.

RESOLVED:(i)         That options a to e, as detailed in paragraph 17 of the

                                    report, be approved.

(ii)That, in addition to the options detailed in paragraph 17 of the report, consideration be given to including information in the “Your City” and “Your Ward” publications.

REASONS:            (i)            To meet a statutory requirement of the local authority.

(ii)To ensure that there is an open discussion of key messages from the Childcare Sufficiency Assessment and that action planning on a partnership basis is commenced to address identified gaps.