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Childcare by low-income working families

How has Newcastle increased employment and access to childcare?

Increased employment and access to childcare has been achieved through joining development work undertaken between Job Centre Plus (JCP) and Children's Centres, this includes:

  • Introduction of a Childcare Chats pilot at East and Fossway Sure Start Children's Centre in response to queries from parents, regarding the range of childcare options and financial support to enable them to return to/take up work.
  • Speed Networking events have been introduced between JCP staff and Sure Start Children's Centre Managers to support overcoming barriers.
  • JCP-led 'getting back to work' sessions which provide information for parents on Childcare Tax Credit and better off calculations are in place.
  • JCP have introduced 'Childcare Discussions' into all contacts with parent customers to identify childcare needs and solutions to barriers. This includes referral to Children's Centres and Family Services Directory where appropriate

  • North Moor Sure Start Children's Centre has supported parent volunteers to access training, build their confidence and gain experience in the workplace as a stepping stone to employment. Parents then received tailored support in identifying and securing childcare

What is the Childcare Sufficiency Assessment (CSA) ?

A Childcare Sufficiency Assessment has been carried out which measures:

  • supply and demand in relation to childcare needs
  • access and affordability
  • take up of childcare tax credit/other financial support
  • geographical and types of childcare gaps
  • needs of specific vulnerable groups
  • satisfaction

What is Newcastle doing in relation to the Childcare Sufficiency Assessment?

We will now develop a 3 year (2008-11) Childcare Sufficiency Assessment local delivery plan to:

  • Discharge duty under Childcare Act 2006 to secure sufficient childcare for working parents or those attending training/education
  • Increase take up of formal childcare among lower-income working families
  • Contribute to the wider child poverty action plan

Related information you might be interested in:

Childcare Sufficiency Assessment Report (external link)
Children's Trust Partnerships
Child Poverty
Job Centre Plus
Family Services Directory

Contact

Helen Woods-Waters
Manager, Early Years and Childcare
Email: helen.woodswaters@newcastle.gov.uk
Phone: 0191 211 5304