Finding suitable childcare is one of the most important issues facing parents today. In order to ensure the provision available here in Gwynedd meets local needs Gwynedd Council is completing a detailed assessment on the subject.
Gwynedd Council has already held a county-wide assessment of childcare to consider what support parents need in order to return to work or to undertake training.
A preliminary draft has been drawn based on the comments presented, and there is now an opportunity for parents, children and child care providers to have a look at the assessment to ensure that they agree with the vision outlined.
Sioned Owen, Gwynedd Council Early Years Quality Improvement Officer said:
“As the nature of our society changes considerably, ensuring that our children can benefit from the best possible care is one of the most important priorities for today’s parents.
“That’s why it is essential that we hear the views of the county’s parents, employers, children and young people and child care providers about the quality and nature of the care which is available locally. Thanks to everyone who has already presented their comments, and I urge anyone who has an interest in this important field to take a look at the assessment and present their comments.”
The results and future recommendations have been summarised and these are the steps Gwynedd Council have identified in order to develop childcare in the county:
- Ensure that clear information is available regarding the Childcare Element of the Working Tax Credit
- Encourage more people to work in the childcare profession and to set up new childcare settings
- Develop suitable provision to meet the needs of families with disabled children
- Develop clubs and provision for older children, specifically through After School Clubs
- Ensure that childcare through the Welsh medium or through bilingual medium is available
- Encourage employers to provide on site childcare
- Offer information about childcare provision via the Information Service for Children, Young People and Families – ‘Gwynedd Ni’
Comments on the assessment will be accepted until Monday, 12 December. You can see the report at: www.gwynedd.gov.uk/consultations
To receive a paper copy, or for further information please contact Gwynedd Ni – Gwynedd’s Information Service for Children, Young People and Families on 01286 675570 or email: [email protected] or through Plas Pawb on 01286 678824 [email protected]
