Conclusion and actions
The 2025 childcare sufficiency assessment demonstrates that Lincolnshire has made significant progress in expanding and improving early years and wraparound childcare provision. The county has responded proactively to national childcare reforms by:
- increasing the availability of funded places
- enhancing accessibility for working families
- maintaining high standards of quality and inclusion
Key achievements include:
- a strong validation rate for working parent entitlement codes, indicating high take-up and awareness
- a net increase in childcare places across all age groups, supported by targeted capital investment
- high satisfaction levels among parents, with 82% reporting access to the childcare they need
- continued commitment to inclusive provision, with positive feedback from families of children with SEND
- a robust partnership approach between the local authority, providers, and stakeholders to address workforce challenges and ensure sustainability
Looking ahead, Lincolnshire is well-positioned to meet the final phase of entitlements expansion in September 2025. However, continued monitoring, targeted investment, and strategic planning will be essential to address emerging demand, particularly for two year olds and under 2s and in areas with identified shortfalls.
Areas for action
To build on the progress made and ensure continued sufficiency and quality, the following actions are recommended:
Targeted expansion
- prioritise development of places for under 2s in districts with identified shortfalls, particularly:
- South Holland
- Boston
- West Lindsey
- continue to support providers through capital and revenue grants to expand provision in areas and age groups of unmet need
Workforce development
- strengthen recruitment campaigns in partnership with:
- local colleges
- DWP
- national initiatives
- expand training and retention support to address undelivered capacity due to staffing shortages
Inclusive practice
- continue to embed inclusive practices through training and funding support
- monitor access and satisfaction among families with SEND to ensure equitable provision
Affordability and awareness
- promote awareness of funded entitlements and financial support through outreach and digital campaigns
- support providers in maintaining sustainable pricing and delivery models aligned with funding rates
Data and forecasting
- maintain robust data collection and analysis to monitor:
- take-up
- sufficiency
- emerging trends
- use ward-level modelling and DfE datasets to inform strategic planning and resource allocation
Wraparound programme
- expand wraparound childcare in line with national targets, ensuring universal access by 2026
- work with schools and providers to identify and address gaps in before- and after-school care
The early years and childcare support team has developed and published a roadmap of support. This ensures sector are aware of the advice and guidance available to them in Lincolnshire. It encourages new provision into Lincolnshire to support the sufficiency duty and enables clear partnership working with professionals in all areas of Lincolnshire.
