Childcare Sufficiency Assessment
The Community Children’s Service, part of Lambeth Council's Children and Young People's Service, has completed its first Childcare Sufficiency Assessment and is now publicly available.
Background
It brings together a range of information about the supply and demand for childcare for children aged 0 to 14 – and up to 18 for disabled children - in Lambeth and was carried out in response to the new Childcare Act 2006. This Act gave Local Authorities a statutory duty to carry out and publish a Childcare Sufficiency Assessment.
Purpose
The Childcare Sufficiency Assessment analysed how much childcare is provided in Lambeth for children. It included collecting specific information, such as how much childcare costs, and how many childcare places there are for children in Lambeth. It also asked parents what their childcare needs are.
Method
The following analysis and consultation was carried out:
- Analysis of the demographic and socio-economic factors that affect the demand and ability to pay for childcare in Lambeth
- Analysis of the supply of childcare for under 5s and over 5s in Lambeth
- Consultation with parents and carers about their childcare needs: 1,080 parents were consulted via a questionnaire and 118 parents were consulted through focus groups
- Consultation with childcare providers: 118 childcare providers were consulted through a questionnaire and focus groups
- Public consultation on the draft Childcare Sufficiency Assessment: summary of results by ward, October 2007.
Use
The Childcare Sufficiency Assessment will be used as an evidence base to ensure that there is a sufficient supply of childcare. This includes sufficient places in different areas of the borough, as well as childcare to meet the needs of particular groups, for example children with disabilities and special educational needs.
View our childcare sufficiency assessment 2007
Needs analysis for family support services
The Early Years and Sure Start Service has also carried out a Family Support Needs Analysis.
The purpose of this research was to inform the Early Years commissioning strategy for Children's Centres and it was completed at the same time as the Childcare Sufficiency Assessment.
Drawing on the socio economic, demographic and consultation results collected for the Childcare Sufficiency Assessment, the team mapped the key family support services available in Lambeth. They analysed the needs of children aged 0-5 and their families across the borough.
View the needs analysis documents
Further information
For further information please contact:
Catherine Kane
Strategic Commissioning Manager
6th Floor International House
Canterbury Crescent
Brixton SW9 7QE
Tel: 020 7926 7486
Email: CKane@lambeth.gov.uk