Bath & North East Somerset Council is asking people for
their views on the provision of childcare across the district.
The Council would like to find out whether people are satisfied
with the level of provision available as part of its Childcare
Sufficiency Assessment.
This detailed assessment of the sufficiency of all early years
and childcare provision within the Bath and North East Somerset
area must be completed by April 2008, it is a requirement of the
2006 Childcare Act.
To date, some 708 parents, representing 1,355 children, have
replied to a survey which asked about their current use of
childcare and satisfaction with the arrangements.
The Council also asked for the views of childminders and staff
at nurseries and pre-schools. It received a good response rate with
92% of the district’s 89 nurseries and pre-schools providing
feedback.
Councillor Chris Watt, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services,
said: "The response rate has been very good, and has provided
enough information for the draft assessment to be compiled.
However, Bath & North East Somerset Council is eager to hear
the views from more parents and childcare providers. The responses
received to date show that the majority of parents across Bath and
North East Somerset have access to sufficient childcare to enable
them to work or spend time learning new skills."
The draft report is available online at the Council's
childcare pages.
Comments can be submitted by email to Childcare2008@bathnes.gov.uk
or by calling 0800 073 1214.
