Decision details

This report is Sandwell’s ninth annual Childcare Sufficiency Report for elected council members and will be made available and accessible to parents and include the information required in the statutory guidance. There are eight recommendations in the report. A Childcare Strategic Action Plan will be developed from the Report and the Actions monitored by the Early Years Strategic Group to ensure there is sufficient childcare in the local area to meet parent’s needs. Consultation was carried out in July and August 2022 with Childcare providers and parents. Findings from the Provider Survey indicate that providers are concerned about increased running costs and business sustainability. Recruitment and retention of staff is also increasingly becoming a problem.
Findings from the Parent Survey indicate parents don’t use paid for childcare because it’s too expensive and they are worried about paying for childcare. Parents are increasingly using family and friends rather than paid for childcare.

Agreed that:-
(i)approval be given to: Childcare Sufficiency Report 2022-23
(ii)the Director of Children and Education be authorised to implement the eight actions from the report.

The Childcare Act 2006 places a duty on the Local Authority to secure sufficient childcare so far as is reasonably practicable for working parents. The Local Authority must report annually to elected members on how they are meeting their duty to secure sufficient childcare in the local area. The Childcare Sufficiency Report 2022-23 has been prepared to comply with this duty.

The Childcare Sufficiency Report assesses the supply of childcare
places against the demand for childcare places and identify any gaps.
Findings are developed into recommendations. There are no other
alternative options.