Survey launched to assess childcare provision in Wiltshire

Wiltshire Council is asking parents and carers for their views on childcare in the county and if there are enough places on offer to enable them to work or access training.

The Childcare Act 2006 and the Early Education and Childcare guidance for local authorities requires local authorities to assess the sufficiency of childcare at least every three years.

The survey is open to all parents and carers who have children aged between 0 to 19 years. Results of the survey will evaluate the amount and types of childcare in Wiltshire, and whether there is enough available to enable parents to work or train.

Childcare is defined as anyone else (other than the parent or carer) who looks after a child while a parent or carer is at work, training or studying. This would also include supervised after school activities and school holiday activities.

Cllr Dominic Muns, Portfolio Holder for Education, said: This survey will give us a really good indication of what people need and if the services and childcare provisions on offer are enabling parents or carers to work.

We are looking at all childcare provisions from early years such as preschools and playgroups, to afterschool clubs and holiday schemes and including specialist centres for disabled children and young adults.

As set out in our business plan, we want to ensure our Wiltshire residents are empowered to live full, healthy and enriched lives, and we can do this by providing childcare that meets their needs.

I'd urge any parent or carer who have children between the ages of 0 to 19 years to take part in this survey and tell us what they need to assist them in accessing work or training.

The survey runs until 22 July 2022 and can be found https://survey.wiltshire.gov.uk/snapwebhost/s.asp?k=165530672095 (opens new window).

For more information, visit www.wiltshire.gov.uk/child-care