Childcare Sufficiency Assessment

Introduction

The Childcare Act 2006 (section 6) places a duty on all local authorities to secure sufficient childcare**, so far as is reasonably practicable, for working parents, or parents who are studying or training for employment, for children aged 0-14 years (or up to 18 years for disabled children). As part of these duties local authorities are expected to report annually to elected council members on how they are ensuring there is sufficient childcare in their area, both for free early education (FEE) for two, three and four year olds and childcare for all children for those parents able and willing to pay, and to make this assessment available for parents and the general public.

The assessment will also be of interest to existing and potential childcare providers considering expanding their businesses or starting up in new areas, and should be used alongside their own market research to assess demand in particular areas and points in time. The childcare market is particularly dynamic, with many factors affecting demand and supply, particularly parental choice. Therefore the findings of this report are indicative only and further detailed analysis of local areas should be undertaken by childcare providers to fully understand the local market.

Interim Childcare Sufficiency Assessment August 2025

Childcare Sufficiency Assessment Annual Report 2023

Types of childcare considered in the East Riding assessment includes:

Childminders, day nurseries and preschools run by the private, voluntary and independent sector
Nursery units and classes and breakfast and after-school clubs run by schools and academies

NB: it excludes nannies, after-school sports and arts activities run by teachers and 4 yr olds who have started school, not taking free early education entitlements.

Sub-areas of East Riding for childcare sufficiency and migration analysis

The area covered by East Riding is extensive and rural in nature and it is recognised that the majority of parents do not normally travel far to access childcare. Geographical sub-areas have therefore been identified based on the 18 Children’s Centres in East Riding, which have been grouped together to form areas that conform as closely as possible to patterns of childcare usage, but also reflect the local areas used for small area population and census data collection.

Due to a new culture of blended working structures adopted by many organisations not just in the East Riding but nationally means that an analysis of take up of funded early education would still not give a clear picture of cross boarder migration. For these reasons it is assumed that childcare is taken closer to home rather than their work place. As the East Riding borders a number of different local authority areas this could then have an impact on migration. Future migration levels, across the local authority border for funded early education will be continued to be monitored in partnership with Hull City Council and other authority areas.

To see more information about Funded Early Education please go to the Assessment of Sufficiency page.

Sufficiency Strategy

Our Sufficiency Strategy for 2025-2028 has officially launched, following approval at Full Council on Wednesday, 12 November.

A Sufficiency Strategy is a plan that ensures there is enough provision to meet the needs of children and young people within their local communities.

This strategy reaffirms our legal duty and ongoing commitment to providing sufficient provision, helping children and young people live, learn, and thrive in the East Riding.

The Strategy brings together key areas of local provision, including:

mainstream education pathways
specialist education pathways
Alternative Provision
children and young people in our care
community provision.

Developed over the course of a year, the strategy is the result of collaboration from schools, council teams, and feedback from the SEND Big Listen. This inclusive approach ensures that the Strategy is grounded in real experiences and needs.

Looking ahead, the strategy will be updated annually to reflect progress and emerging priorities. A dedicated working group of chapter leads meet monthly to monitor development and maintain cohesion across all areas.

The Sufficiency Strategy plays an important role in shaping a future where every child and young person in the East Riding has access to the support and opportunities they need to succeed.

We encourage everyone to familiarise themselves with the strategy, and if you have any questions, please email School Organisation or visit Strategies, plans and reports.

For further information please:

Visit the FISH (Families Information Service Hub) website

Or contact:

FISH (Families Information Service Hub) on 01482 396469
E-mail: fish@eastriding.gov.uk

CSA

Last Updated on December 19, 2025