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Save Assessing and securing sufficient childcare
The OPM Report on Reviewing Childcare Sufficiency Assessments is available on the LA Developing Practice Assessing and Securing Sufficient Childcare page.
Securing Sufficient Childcare guidance (July 2007)
Supporting guidance to help local authorities fulfil their duties to secure sufficient childcare and provide information, advice and training to childcare providers.
Childcare Sufficiency Assessments guidance (February 2007)
Supporting guidance to help local authorities assess the sufficiency of childcare in their area.
From 1 April 2008 local authorities have had a statutory duty under Section 6 of the Childcare Act 2006 to secure sufficient childcare to enable parents to work, or to undertake education and training leading to work.
To fulfil this duty, local authorities need to facilitate and shape local childcare markets which are responsive to parents' needs and provide sufficient high-quality, accessible and sustainable childcare.
As a preparatory step towards meeting the Sufficiency Duty fully, Section 11 of the Childcare Act, which came into force on 1 April 2007, required local authorities to undertake a Childcare Sufficiency Assessment.
The assessment is a measurement of the nature and extent of the need for, and supply of, childcare within each local area. It will help local authorities to identify where there are gaps in the market and - in consultation with parents, communities and employers - plan how to support the market to address them. The first assessments had to be completed and published by 31 March 2008.
Local authorities have to repeat the full assessment process at least every three years, and should keep their assessments under review in the meantime.
Section 13 of the Act, which came into force on 1 October 2007, placed a further duty on local authorities to provide information, advice and training to childcare providers.
Childcare Act 2006 (Childcare Assessments) Regulations 2007 (Office of Public Sector Information website)
The Childcare Providers (Information, Advice and Training) Regulations 2007 (Office of Public Sector Information website)
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Last updated on 30/04/2009
