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Childcare Provision in Sheffield
Childcare in Sheffield is provided by a range of organisations in the maintained (local authority), private, voluntary, independent and community sectors. The local authority, through the Early Years Education and Childcare Service (EYECS), is responsible for strategic planning of childcare places across Sheffield as well as maintaining existing childcare. This means working with partners to ensure that new childcare developments meet the needs of children and families and contribute to the achievement of the Every Child Matters five outcomes for all children (staying safe, enjoying and achieving, being healthy, making a positive contribution and economic well-being).
EYECS plans childcare provision alongside other children’s services in local areas known as Service Districts. These areas bring together all agencies and partners providing services for children and families at the local level. Each Service District will report to the Sheffield 0-19+ Partnership Board, which is a multi-agency body with a strategic lead for all services affecting children and young people. For EYECS planning purposes, in order to assess sufficiency of locally accessible services, Service Districts are divided into Children's Centre Reach Areas consisting of cohesive communities of approximately 800 children aged 0-4.
EYECS will report to the 0-19+ Partnership Board on the provision of childcare and how the planning process ensures the needs of children and families are met. This audit will establish the baseline position and enable progress to be measured on an annual basis.
The Childcare Act 2006 imposes upon Local Authorities a statutory duty to ensure sufficient childcare is available in their areas. Local Authorities will also be obliged to assess and monitor the childcare market, at least once every three years, in order to ensure the needs of all parents are met. The Sheffield Childcare Audit will be used for measuring the supply of childcare for planning purposes in maintaining childcare stock levels and ensuring there are sufficient places to meet local need.
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