Childcare sufficiency assessment
Assessing the parental demand for childcare in Hammersmith & Fulham
What is the childcare sufficiency assessment?
The overall purpose of the childcare sufficiency assessment is to contribute to the Department for Children’s, Schools and Families (DCSF) 10-year strategy of “Choice for parents the best start for children” with the aim of improving life chances for all children and to close the gap between advantaged and disadvantaged families in the community. The undertaking of the sufficiency assessment is central to the strategy of reducing child poverty through ensuring childcare to meet needs of working parents.
The Childcare Act 2006 expands and clarifies in legislation the vital role local authorities should play as strategic leaders in facilitating the childcare market. It reinforces the framework within which they already work in partnership with the private, voluntary and independent (PVI) sector to shape children’s services. It focuses in particular on sufficient, sustainable and flexible childcare that is responsive to parent’s needs.
Section 11 of the 2006 Act places a duty on local authorities to have undertaken a childcare sufficiency assessment, in accordance with regulations and with regards to the guidance, ‘Childcare Sufficiency Assessments: Guidance for Local Authorities’ which can be downloaded from the Every Child Matters website (www.everychildmatters.gov.uk) by 31 March 2008. The sufficiency assessment is necessary for ensuring sufficient provision, enabling local authorities to identify gaps and establish plans to meet the needs of parents so they can fulfil their Section six childcare sufficiency duty.
Childcare sufficiency assessment 2008 – 2011
The childcare sufficiency assessment consultation has been completed and the approved full report is available by clicking on the link below. Section 10 sets out the recommendations of how Hammersmith & Fulham will meet its sufficiency of care duty.
» Childcare Sufficiency Assessment 2008 – 2011 (pdf 7MB)
Childcare Sufficiency Assessment 2011 - 2014
The updated sufficiency assessment for 2011 - 2014, including parental consultation and employer consultation has been completed. Please click on the link below to access the full report.
Childcare sufficiency assessment 2011 - 2014 (pdf 7mb)
For information about children’s services available in the borough, and financial help to assist with childcare fees contact the Children’s Information Service on 020 8735 5868 or email fis@lbhf.gov.uk
Page last updated: 16/01/2012
