A REVIEW which will look into how many childcare places are available in the borough – after it was revealed Barnsley’s placements are lower than the national average – will commence next month.
Office for National Statistics figures show there were just 19 childcare places accessible in Barnsley for every 100 children under seven in the area.
This was below the national rate of 25 childcare places for every 100 kids in England.
Barnsley Council’s ruling cabinet members are set to meet on March 5 to discuss whether or not the current offer is sufficient.
Lydia Hodges, head of charity Coram Family and Childcare, said the ONS statistics ‘present a worrying picture’.
She added: “A well-functioning childcare system is a key tool in tackling disadvantage, by helping families increase their income and improving educational outcomes for children.
“The expansion of funded childcare is a welcome investment, but childcare shortages and limited eligibility criteria means that too many disadvantaged children don’t access childcare and start school already lagging behind their peers as a result.
“The childcare system is in dire need of reform to tackle these systemic shortages and make sure all children can benefit from high-quality early education, and all parents can make meaningful choices about work and care.”
