Issue - items at meetings - Childcare Sufficiency in Brighton & Hove

Report of the Executive Director of Children’s Services (copy attached)

86.1   The Committee considered the report of the Executive Director for Children’s Services which informed the Committee about childcare sufficiency in Brighton & Hove, and on the progress regarding access to the early years free entitlement by eligible two year olds in the city. The report was introduced by the Childcare Strategy Manager.

86.2   Councillor Wealls asked if the Authority had a responsibility to provide childcare, and was advised that it was responsible for ensuring there was sufficient provision in the city.

86.3   Councillor Pissaridou noted that a parental survey to determine childcare demand was not carried out and asked why. The Childcare Strategy Manager said that as other data did not indicate a general shortage of childcare it was decided that it would have been too expensive and time consuming.

86.4   Councillor Simson noted that Childminding provision in East Brighton was very low and asked why that was. The Childcare Strategy Manager said it was probably to do with demand, but noted that other Childcare provision in that area was high.

86.5   RESOLVED:

That the Committee:

(1)   Noted the publication of Brighton & Hove’s Childcare Sufficiency Assessment and how the Local Authority is securing sufficient childcare places.

(2)   Noted the position regarding access to the early years free entitlement by eligible two year olds.