Here is the latest version of the Childcare Sufficiency Assessment 2011 (pdf, 1Mb) (opens in a new window)

Background summary

The Childcare Act 2006 Section 11 places a duty on the local authority, in this case Dorset County Council, to assess whether there is a sufficient supply of childcare to meet the needs of parents, especially those working or wishing to return to work or training. Section 6 places a duty on the local authority to secure sufficient childcare.

Local Authorities are required to:

• Secure sufficient childcare provision for the needs of working parents in their area for children up to the age of 14 (or 17 for children who are disabled)

• Enable parents of eligible three & four year olds to use their free (15 hours per week) entitlement to Early Learning & Childcare and the most disadvantaged two year olds by 2013

• Provide sufficient childcare for vulnerable groups such as disabled and Looked After Children

• Carry out a sufficiency assessment for all the children in their area at least every three years

Sufficient childcare is defined by the Department for Education (DfE) 'as meeting the requirements of parents to remain in work or undertake education/training which could lead to work'. It must also be suitable for children who are disabled and meet the needs of parents in respect of payment of the childcare element of the working tax credit.

In Dorset the first Childcare Sufficiency Assessment (CSA) was published by Children's Services in 2008 with demographic and supply data updated annually to record any changes.

Child Sufficiency Assessment components

The Assessment has a number of components:

• Needs Analysis - mapping supply and demand in the context of the socio-demographics and economy of Dorset

• Gap analysis - identifying the gaps between supply and demand

• Recommendations - to address the gaps identified which are prioritised and resourced in an Action Plan. The Childcare Sufficiency Action Plan 2011-14 accompanies the Childcare Sufficiency Assessment 2011

• The childcare market is managed through the Childcare Sufficiency Action Plan, which details outcomes and indicators of progress/improvement

Key policy developments

The 2011 Assessment takes account of the impact of key policy developments on Dorset's Childcare market to include:

•     The extension of the free entitlement for three and four year olds to 15 hours per week and the introduction of greater flexibility which came into effect in September 2010 

•     The phased introduction of free childcare for two year olds

•     The planned introduction of an entitlement for full time provision for 4 year olds

•     Inclusive childcare

•     Childcare provision for children and young people aged five and over and the links with extended services

•     Holiday childcare provision

•     Quality improvements across all aspects of childcare, especially those relating to the early years workforce and childminding networks

•     Regulation and inspection of childcare settings

•     The role of Children's Centres

•     Information for parents and families, especially through the Family Information Service (FIS)

Outcomes

To have a good understanding of local demand and supply for childcare and to identify both current and potential gaps in the market.

To have a robust Action Plan with a clear set of strategic and specific priorities to address the gaps and manage Dorset's childcare market effectively. This will include developing the supply of childcare through promoting partnership working, providing funding and growing and sustaining provision to meet parents' needs.

• Sufficiency & Business Support Manager
  Name: Steve Webberley
  Email: s.webberley@dorsetcc.gov.uk
  Tel: 01305 228444
  Fax: 01305 228442
  Full details for Steve Webberley