Our statutory duty
Local authorities are required by legislation 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 (or up to 18 for disabled children)
- Provide information for parents and prospective parents on the provision of childcare in their area
- Secure free places offering 570 hours a year over no fewer than 38 weeks of the year, and up to 52 weeks of the year, for every eligible child in their area
- Secure an additional 570 free hours a year over no fewer than 38 weeks of the year, and up to 52 weeks of the year, for qualifying children in their area
- Report annually to elected council members on how they are meeting their duty to secure sufficient childcare, and make this report available and accessible to parents.
Data collection (Sufficiency Module)
To determine if there is sufficient childcare to meet demand, each term we request that providers review their childcare places and vacancy data and submit any changes via the provider portal using the sufficiency module. This data is important to enable the local authority to provide a brokerage service to families looking for childcare and build a picture of the childcare provision across Norfolk. It also helps us to plan and identify gaps in the market.
Please regularly review and submit your data across each age range as well as the cost per hour/session. It is possible to amend your data for the current academic year. Please note if you are open during the holidays you will also need to complete the School Holidays tab.
Support is available from the Family Information team, please email fis@norfolk.gov.uk. Training is also offered, please book a place via the portal.
Childcare Sufficiency Assessment (CSA)
The CSA reports on the sufficiency of the childcare market across Norfolk annually. The assessment is available to download.
Early Years Sufficiency Profiles
There are 36 profiles covering specific urban areas of Norfolk where significant housing growth is planned or underway. These profiles are updated regularly and are available upon request. Please email the advice line for more details at csearlyyearsadviceline@norfolk.gov.uk