Issue - meetings

[Report of the Director of Children’s Services.  To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Children, Education and Families]

The Childcare Act 2006 places a duty on the Council to ensure there is enough childcare within its area for working parents and parents who wish to train or study.  The Annual Childcare Sufficiency  Report provides an update on the availability of childcare provision in Haringey for 0 to 14 year olds and  (up to 18 for disabled children) and progress on the implementation of the Council's Childcare Action Plan 2019-2022 .

The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children, Education and Families set out the report which noted the Annual Childcare Sufficiency Report for 2020.  The report set out the current landscape for childcare in Haringey in the context both of Covid-19 and wider patterns of take up and demand.  It also considered the affordability, accessibility and quality of provision and how any gaps in childcare would be addressed.

RESOLVED to

1.         Note the 2020 Annual Childcare Sufficiency Report.

Reasons for decision

The reason for the recommendation is that a decision to approve the proposed Annual Childcare Sufficiency Report 2020 (Appendix 1), will ensure that the Council is fulfilling its statutory duty, under the Childcare Act 2006.

In addition, the Annual Childcare Sufficiency Report will provide an updated representation of Haringey’s childcare market, enabling the Council to develop childcare plans to support the market and maximise childcare participation in the future. 

Alternative options considered

The requirement to complete an Annual Childcare Sufficiency Report is part of the statutory requirement placed on the Council by the Childcare Act 2006.