Herefordshire needs to build on childcare available for newborns to five year olds and have more out of school activities for eight to 14 year olds, according to research into childcare commissioned by the council and published this week.
The government requires all local authorities to undertake an annual assessment of the local childcare market to make sure that the needs of parents are being met. This involves looking at the childcare available across the county and identifying whether there are any gaps.
Herefordshire Council undertook a Childcare Sufficiency Assessment which involved surveying a range of parents from across the county. Findings suggest that overall, the county has enough good quality childcare places for newborns to five year olds, although parents in the remotest parts of the county often have to drive to their nearest nursery, which is not ideal.
The report highlights a need for more out of school provision for eight to14 year olds with a request from parents for more early morning and early evening care as well. Similarly holiday childcare for all ages is an issue in some parts of the county.
Any childcare provided has to be sustainable which makes it particularly difficult to provide in rural areas where numbers are likely to be smaller. A large proportion of childcare is provided by the private and voluntary sector where costs of providing the care have to be balanced with affordable fees for parents.
Another finding is that parents who work part-time demand a more flexible pattern of care for their children. One third of parents questioned stated that they don't use any form of childcare for a variety of reasons including costs - instead they adapt their childcare needs around their working patterns and family.
According to those surveyed, many parents of children with special needs do not use formal childcare as alongside other issues they believe there is nothing available for them.
Councillor Jenny Hyde, cabinet member for children and young people, said: "The government doesn't fund childcare in the same way as it funds schools. Parents are expected to pay for the services they receive which means all childcare providers have to operate as viable businesses and rely on regular bookings to meet Ofsted standards and break-even. Yet this piece of research shows that parents want more flexibility and choice, particularly in relation to care for 8-14 year olds.
"We need to prioritise the issues identified in the report and work with schools, parents and childcare providers to explore how we can bridge the gaps identified and help parents who wish to return to work."
The assessment will be updated once a year and a further full assessment will be undertaken in 2011.