Issue - meetings

The Board considered a report of the Executive Director – Children’s Services, which provided a summary of the revised Sufficiency Duty Report (SDR) – this document was appended to the report Childcare Sufficiency Duty Report 2025 Review.

It was reported that the SDR detailed information on Halton’s childcare sector and outlined the current and projected supply and estimated demand for childcare places over the next 12 months.  It also highlighted any gaps in provision and how these were being addressed. 

The report also gave information on the expansion of the early years entitlements, launched in April 2024, together with estimates on how the demand for new places would impact upon the childcare market in Halton.  Information was also shared on other factors affecting childcare both locally and nationally, the expansion of funded childcare for working parents of children aged 9 months to 2 years, the expansion of wraparound care, and the difficulties with the recruitment and retention of early years staff.  The report detailed the sufficiency of childcare across sectors and strategies to address future challenges.

The Board discussed childminders operating from home and the possible impact on the wider community where they live. The Board was advised that Ofsted was the regulator for childminders, and there was a set number of children childminders were allowed to provide care for. If there were any concerns they could be shared with the early years team who would contact Ofsted.

The Chair agreed to write to the Chair of Development Management Committee to inform her on the planning concerns raised by Members regarding childminders operating from home.

RESOLVED:  That the revised Sufficiency Duty Report be noted.