Lincolnshire families are being asked to complete a survey to help gauge demand for and availability of childcare places in the county.
The council is working to ensure there are sufficient childcare places for working parents, parents studying/training, for children with special educational needs, and for children to access their funded entitlement.
Although the authority does not provide childcare directly, it works closely with private, voluntary, and independent providers and schools to shape and support the development of local provision to ensure it’s flexible, sustainable, and responsive to the needs of the community.
As part of this process, the council is asking parents to complete a short survey to help the authority assess the need for childcare places across the county.
Cllr Mrs Patricia Bradwell OBE, executive member for children’s services, said: “During this year and the next, the government is significantly expanding the childcare support available to working parents. So, it’s vital that parents have access to suitable childcare, so they can make the most of the support available and go out to work, study or train.
“The information provided through this survey will help identify any gaps locally, which we can then look to address with providers. Please take the time to share your views, so we can ensure the childcare sector meets local needs.”
The survey runs from 16 April to 14 May and can be found online at www.letstalk.lincolnshire.gov.uk/childcaresurvey2024