starting a nursery - sufficiency of childcare

The Childcare Act 2006 is a pioneering piece of legislation and is the first ever act to be exclusively concerned with early years and childcare. The act is helping transform childcare and early years services for generations to come, taking forward some of the key commitments from the Ten Year Childcare Strategy, published in December 2004.

The Childcare Act 2006 places a duty on English and Welsh local authorities to provide information, advice and training to childcare providers, prospective childcare providers and those working or intending to work in childcare.

Therefore, it is imperative that when looking to set up a nursery you start by researching the Childcare Sufficiency Assessment in your area. The Childcare Sufficiency Assessment aims to identify areas where greater progress is needed in supporting access to flexible, affordable childcare provision for all families. Talk to your local authority early years team as a starting point.