Decision details

The Director of Education presented the report, which sought Cabinet approval to commence public consultation of the contents of the 2022 Childcare Sufficiency Assessment (CSA) for the statutory period of 28 days prior to submitting to Welsh Government for formal approval.

The Cabinet Member for Education, Youth Participation & Welsh Language commented that assessment provided an up-to-date picture of the County Borough but noted that the responses were received during the pandemic. The Cabinet Member commented that there had been a reduction in registered settings and places with a particular decline in child-minding spaces across RCT due to lockdown restrictions.

In terms of demand and any gaps in provision, the Cabinet Member drew attention to North East Taff Ely and South Rhondda, which he felt should be closely monitored.

The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment & Leisure spoke of the provision of play and its importance.

The Cabinet RESOLVED:

1.    To note the content of the report;

2.    To commence consultation with relevant stakeholders on the contents of the 2022 CSA; and,

3.    That following the consultation period, the CSA be submitted to Welsh Government for final approval.