28/02/2011 - Permalink

Views sought on new childcare assessment

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Parents, children and childcare providers are being asked what they think about a new document that aims to identify and address any gaps in childcare provision in the county.

Produced every three years, Shropshire Council’s Childcare Sufficiency Assessment for 2011 will help to ensure there is sufficient childcare in the area.

The draft version of this year’s document incorporates the views of more than 2500 Shropshire parents/carers, children, employers and childcare practitioners, together with population, economic and childcare supply information.

Now, through a short online survey, the council wants to know if people agree with what is in the draft version of this year’s document before the final version is published at the end of March.

As part of the consultation into this year’s assessment, people told the council that:

  • Overall parents/carers are happy with the quality of childcare in Shropshire
  • The location of childcare is very important · Although there is a sufficient supply of childcare, there are some gaps including before and after-school clubs, particularly in rural areas and for children with a disability
  • The cost, accessibility and flexibility of childcare can all be barriers when parents are considering returning to work or study · People learn most about childcare through word of mouth and would like to learn more about childcare through the Internet
  • Many employers are supportive of childcare voucher schemes that reduce the cost of childcare, but further work can be done to target families who need help with cost

Aggie Caesar-Homden, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for children and young people’s services, said:

“We are really grateful that so many people took the time to tell us what they think about childcare provision in Shropshire during the recent consultation. Their views and comments were crucial in preparing the draft document but we now need their feedback to help us prepare the final version of the assessment and to develop an action plan.”

To see the full document (which includes an executive summary), please visit www.shropshire.gov.uk/childcare.nsf, where there is the opportunity to complete a short online form. The deadline for feedback is 28 February.

Both the final version of the Sufficiency Assessment and the related Action Plan will be available on the Shropshire Council website by 31 March 2011.