Childcare sufficiency market assessment
Countywide assessment of childcare supply and demand to identify where there are gaps.
Local authorities have a legal duty to review childcare in their area. This duty is set out in the Childcare Act 2006. Each year, councils must report on how they meet this responsibility.
They must explain how they ensure there is sufficient early education and childcare for local families.
Sufficient childcare means having the right type and amount of provision in place, as far as this is reasonably practical. It must meet the needs of working parents and parents who are studying or training for work.
This responsibility covers;
- childcare for children aged 0 to 14
- children with a disability can extend up to the age of 18
Early years provision
The duty to secure early years provision helps families access their free early education entitlement.
This entitlement provides up to 570 hours of free early education each year, taken over at least 38 weeks.
- this means up to 15 hours of childcare a week over 38 weeks of the year
- working parents with children aged 3 and 4 can increase to 30 hours a week
This is equal to a maximum of 1,140 hours of free childcare each year.
Eligible working parents
From September 2025, eligible working parents of children aged nine months and over can access up to 30 hours of childcare a week.
This support is available over 38 weeks of the year and is designed to help families balance work and childcare.
Parents can claim these hours from the term after their child turns 9 months old. The entitlement continues until the child starts school.
Aim of assessment
This assessment aims to give us the information we need to understand where childcare provision is lacking.
Comments and suggestions
Families' childcare needs and the availability of places are constantly changing. We welcome feedback if there are difficulties finding suitable childcare.
We cannot guarantee a childcare place in a specific area. However, we aim to help as many parents as possible find the childcare they need. This support helps parents to work or take part in training that leads to work.
Contact Oxfordshire Family Information Service for further guidance.