MARKET testing is now being undertaken with ‘alternative providers’ after it was revealed a significant number of new childcare places need to be created in Barnsley in order to meet anticipated demand which cannot currently be met.
A council-led investigation - ahead of national changes which will come into effect in September which allow eligible, working families claim up to 30 hours’ of term-time support for children aged from just nine months - has commenced.
One controversial move to plug the gaps identified is using alternative providers away from the council’s in-house service to deliver care at the local authority’s Family Hub venues to ‘save taxpayers’ money’.
A report found the total number of early years providers in Barnsley has increased from 244 to 261 but take-up rates - which subsequently place more pressure on stretched providers - are 4.2 per cent above the national average locally.
The matter - and the next steps which have already been taken - were discussed at yesterday’s full council meeting at Barnsley Town Hall.
Coun Trevor Cave, cabinet spokesperson for children’s services, revealed no provisions will close but the current offer will need to be expanded.
He said: “We’ve undertaken market testing with alternative childcare providers.
“As part of this we wrote to local and regional providers and existing council nursery staff promoting the opportunity and invited expressions of interest from them.
“We have also undertaken an impact assessment as part of the medium-term financial strategy transformation proposals which considered financial, legal, equality, service user and HR impacts.
“We’re not planning to close the nurseries or family hubs.
“Family Hub settings will continue to operate and families will still have access to childcare provision there and nursery sites as this will continue to operate under any new provider.
“Additionally we’re seeking to work with them to expand the offer where possible which will lead to a wider offer being available to families.”
The hubs - lauded as a huge success by council bosses - are based in Thurnscoe, Worsbrough Dale, Athersley North, Grimethorpe, Penistone and Wombwell and provide childcare and support for families in need.
However, to offer 30 hours’ funded places to those who need it, the council need additional investment and, due to the ‘current financial position’, it has been deemed not viable.
Therefore, they ‘can neither expand the offer to meet the requirements nor continue to operate as we are’ and other operators have subsequently been sought.
Coun Cave added: “Our ambition is to ensure that all children can access high-quality childcare.
“This is important not only for children to enable them to have a good start in life, but also for their parents, to have childcare which supports and is suitable for their working arrangements.
“We will continue to work with existing childcare providers in the borough to ensure they have the right support to continue providing high-quality services as well as look for opportunities to create new services.
“We would also encourage families to visit the ‘Childcare Choices’ website to find out more about the support they may be eligible for and make use of the offer.”
