Bristol's first Childcare Sufficiency Assessment
The Childcare Act 2006 places a new duty on all Local Authorities to assess whether the supply of childcare in local areas is meeting the needs of working parents and parents who are studying or training in order to find work.
The purpose of this assessment (known as the “Childcare Sufficiency Assessment”) is to enable Local Authorities to identify where the gaps are between the supply and demand of childcare in preparation for April 2008, when the statutory duty to secure sufficient childcare comes into force.
In line with government guidance, the Early Years and Childcare Service of Bristol City Council undertook a city wide survey of parents, childcare providers and employers between July and October 2007 to assess gaps in childcare provision in Bristol . This included identifying gaps in:
- the type and number of childcare places available
- the flexibility in the hours that childcare is available
- the quality of childcare
- the affordability and location of childcare and
- equalities and inclusion
Reports from Bristol’s first Childcare Sufficiency Assessment are now available on the links at the left hand side of this page. Copies of reports are also available from
The Administrator
Bristol Early Years and Childcare Service
P O Box 57 , The Council House
College Green, Bristol BS99 7EB
Telephone: 0117 903 7426