PARENTS are to be asked whether their childcare needs are being met, as part of a countywide assessment by Herefordshire Council.

The local authority has a duty under the Childcare Act 2006 to assess the nature, extent, need and supply of childcare within all communities to see if existing facilities in the county are sufficient.

This includes breakfast and after school clubs, nurseries and childminders and any other childcare service provided for 0-16 year olds other than formal schooling.

The aim is to make sure parents are able to find childcare that meets their needs locally so that they can make choices about their lives knowing the childcare is there to support them if required.

Bryan Twitty, childcare information service manager, said: "We already hold information about the number and type of childcare places available within local communities, but we need to build on this and consult with parents, carers and children, local employers and community groups to see if existing care meets demand.

"We have appointed an external consultant, Neil Stuart to undertake this piece of work. Over the next few months he'll be issuing a questionnaire to parents via schools and childcare providers and talking to parents, children and local organisations at some of the council's children's centres."

Once the results of the assessment are known, the council will be able to identify any unmet childcare needs across the county and begin working with partners to develop any new services needed.