While the children's sector has praised the intentions behind theproposed Childcare Bill there are several areas that are causingconcern. A consultation document published last week outlines newstatutory duties on local authorities to: secure sufficient childcarefor children from birth to 14; improve outcomes for under fives; andensure a full range of information for parents of children and youngpeople up to the age of 19.
The duty on childcare was always the most controversial with fears thatcouncils would have to provide services directly. The wording "securesufficient childcare" has therefore come as a relief, admits aspokeswoman for the Local Government Association.
According to the proposals: "It's not the intention to obligeauthorities to meet the individual childcare needs of every workingfamily, but to ensure that at a community level the authority is takingstrategic action with its partners to address gaps in childcare."
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