This page is about Childcare Sufficiency in Doncaster.

 

Part B of the Early Education and Childcare Statutory Guidance prescribes that local authorities are required by legislation to secure sufficient childcare, so far as is reasonably practicable, for working parents, or parents who are studying or training for employment, for children aged 0-14 (or up to 18 for disabled children).

A Childcare Sufficiency Assessment measures the nature and extent of the demand and supply of childcare within a local authority area.  It identifies where there are gaps in the childcare market and informs a market management action plan to ensure there are sufficient childcare and early education places.  The government has set a number of factors, which can be regarded as the benchmark of sufficiency:

  • There are sufficient childcare places overall in each pyramid
  • Provision is flexible and accessible to fit in with working patterns
  • There is a range of childcare provision that is affordable and of a high quality

Childcare sufficiency is not just about having the right number of childcare places to meet the needs of working and training parents, it is about ensuring: the provision is of a high quality; it improves the outcomes for children; narrows the gap in attainment; prepares children for school; and is inclusive and flexible to meet families’ needs.  The provision needs to ensure continuity of care and service by being a sustainable business with affordable fees.  A sufficient, sustainable, quality childcare market underpins the poverty agenda, supports local economic development and the Councils Starting Well Service early intervention and preventative strategies.

Please check the download section of this page to access Doncaster’s latest Childcare Sufficiency Assessment. 

If you would like to discuss the childcare sufficiency within Doncaster please e-mail: LP.org@doncaster.gov.uk

If you require information to support you to find childcare within Doncaster please contact Doncaster Families information Service

CHILDCARE SURVEY

Please help us plan and support childcare provision in Doncaster by completing our CHILDCARE NEEDS 2023 SURVEY.

Last updated: 12 February 2024 14:32:53

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