Early Years and Childcare Strategy

Find out how we're meeting our duty to secure childcare in the city, and view our Childcare Sufficiency Assessment and Early Years Strategic Action Plan.

Childcare in the City

The Childcare Act 2006 requires the council to secure sufficient childcare for parents. The level of childcare needs to be enough to let parents work, or undertake education or training leading to work. We need to secure childcare for children up to the age of 14, or 17 for disabled children.

We have to report every year to elected council members on how we're meeting this duty. This report is available and accessible to parents.

View or download our Childcare Sufficiency Assessment.

Childcare Ward Maps

You can see details of childcare in each of the city's ward on the ward profiles.

Early Years Strategic Action Plan - November 2022 to March 2024

Our early years strategic action plan sets out how we're meeting our duty to:

  • improve outcomes for all young children
  • reduce inequalities
  • make sure that there's enough high-quality early years provision and childcare for parents

The strategy sets out our priorities for the future. It focusses on the most disadvantaged children and families. It helps contribute towards our ambition that children and young people have the best possible start in life. We want them to grow up happy, healthy and safe with the opportunity to reach their potential.

View or download our Early Years Strategic Action Plan.