Liverpool City Council - Childcare Sufficiency Assessment 2008

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Childcare Sufficiency Assessment 2008

Liverpool Children's Services is pleased to provide it's final published version of the Childcare Sufficiency Assessment. This is the first year that this Assessment has been conducted in such a structured and comprehensive manner, involving a wide range of agencies/services and consumers of childcare. This builds very well on our previous annual childcare audit, and meets the statutory obligation of conducting and publishing this Assessment by the 1 April 2008 (section 11 Childcare Act 2006)     

This has been a major exercise and underpins the support we will provide to parents and childcare providers that shape the activities we undertake to engage with all relevant stakeholders. However there is no denying that there is always room for improvement in the way we undertake and present the Assessment.

Although the Assessment itself is a task that must be undertaken every 3 years, there is a statutory requirement that we keep this under regular review. We know that as soon as a childcare setting opens/closes, it affects the sufficiency of provision, and this happens with regular occurance. The same applies to demand and shifts in working arrangements and the need for childcare. 

The full Childcare Sufficiency Assessment together with a simplified version and all ward profiles, can be found at the bottom of this page.  

Consultation:

Liverpool Children's Services is commited to constantly reviewing its Childcare Sufficiency Assessment, and using up to date information in order to make decisions and shape plans. 

Whilst some specific consultation exercises were carried out as part of the Sufficiency Assessment process, the actual consultation exercise on the Draft Sufficiency Assessment received a poor response (in terms of numbers). We believe that one of the main contributing factors to this was the complexity and 'user friendliness' of the document itself. 

The complete Sufficiency Assessment and the simplified version are available to view and download by clicking on the link below. The simplified version, which outlines the actions we will take as a result of the assessment, will be widely distributed, and made available in main public offices (such as public libraries and G.P. surgeries). 

In summary, the consultation on the Draft Childcare Sufficiency Assessment told us that there was general Agreement with our assessment of the childcare market  for 0-2 year olds, 3-4 year olds and 5-15 year olds and general agreement with our assessment of the out of school places for children with SEN or disability.

However some issues were raised relating to: 

a. data and the frequency it changes and hence its reliability

b. uncertainty of how we assessed demand

c. the impact of people travelling some distance from where they live to access childcare

Action plan:

This means that our Action Plan as a result of the Sufficiency Assessment will address the following issues:

1. Develop more 0-2 provision in areas where demand demonstrates the need

2. Develop more out of school provision (mainly holiday) where demand demonstrates need

3. Consider childcare affordability issues 

4. Develop childcare services out of standard office hours

5. Identify current exempt provision to include in the data  for available childcare where this applies

6. Reduce the surplus 3 and 4 year old provision where there is a need

7. Target support to ensure providers are offering inclusive provision and can meet the needs of children with SEN/disability

Other priorities taking place: (nationally or specifically within Liverpool) that will support and effect the provision of childcare. We will incorporate these into our Childcare Action Plan 2008-2011 which will include:

  • The introduction of the increased more flexible offer of free early education for 3 and 4 year olds
  • Further engagement with employers to promote the tax credit oportunities available for working parents.        

Please find the full Childcare Sufficiency Assessment document with supporting tables and ward profiles together with the simplified version below.

Childcare Sufficiency Assessment simplified version (PDF [758.8Kb] opens in new window)

Childcare Sufficiency Assessment Introduction (PDF [1.9Mb] opens in new window)    Supporting Tables (PDF [95.5Kb] opens in new window)   

An Executive Summary of the full Childcare Sufficiency Assessment is also available, which provides an overview of the childcare market in Liverpool and highlights through it's findings, any key areas of under or over provision at Neighbourhood Management  Area level. 

Please find the Executive Summary below.

Childcare Sufficiency Assessment Executive Summary (PDF [1.6Mb] opens in new window) 

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For more information, contact the Childcare and Family Service on 0151 225 6279 or email early years.