A report providing information on the 2021/22 Childcare Sufficiency Assessment (CSA).

The Executive Director of Children’s Services – Education, Early Help and Social Care, BFfC, submitted a report on the main findings of the Childcare Sufficiency Assessment (CSA) for 2021/22.  The annual report provided information for parents, childcare providers and Brighter Futures for Children on childcare needs, the local market and future school places demand.

The main findings included the following:

• There were no sufficiency issues in Reading relating to the childcare provision for 0- to 5-year-olds.
• Over 97% of providers were judged good or outstanding by Ofsted.
• There were a good range of childcare providers across all ages.
• The town centre and Whitley had been identified as areas for future growth.
• Information drawn from the providers and parents’ surveys support planning for the forthcoming year.
• Future focus would be on childminders and retaining current childminders.
• Work would continue with parents and providers on the impact of COVID.
• Promotion would continue with the uptake of the funded places for 2-year-olds, this was currently at its highest level of 73%.
• As parents return to the workplace future sufficiency would be monitored due to the current low birth rate and changes in parents working patterns due to COVID. 

It was noted that take up of the 30 free hours of childcare was important for children to progress. Concern was raised regarding the costs and finance required for maintained nurseries and that sufficient funding should be provided.

Resolved –    That the Reading Childcare Sufficiency Assessment 2021-22 be noted and endorsed.