Childcare Bill

With this it will be convenient to discuss the following: New clause 8—BEST VALUE PROVISION OF CHILDCARE— 'Any local authority operating a best value regime, in accordance with Part 1 of the Local Government Act 1999 (c. 27), must act in a fair and transparent way in delivering best value obligations with regard to childcare provision, having due regard to any relevant statutory code of practice.'. Amendment No. 60, in page 4, line 10, clause 6, after 'sufficient', insert ', and is likely to remain sufficient,'. Amendment No. 5, in page 4, line 15, at end insert ', or (c) to receive appropriate assistance with children with disabilities or other special needs.'. Amendment No. 13, in page 4, line 15, at end insert 'or (c) to sustain caring responsibilities.'. Amendment No. 35, in page 4, line 15, at end insert— '(1A) In assessing the requirements referred to in subsection (1) a local authority should have regard to any disabilities of the parents themselves, as defined by the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (c. 50).'. Amendment No. 10, in page 4, line 24, at end insert ', and (c) must consider the quality of local childcare provision with reference to the Ofsted inspection process.'. Amendment No. 7, in page 5, line 24, clause 8, at end insert— '(3A) A local authority must establish a complaints procedure for existing or potential childcare providers who have been disadvantaged by local authorities who choose to provide childcare and related services themselves.'. Amendment No. 31, in page 5, line 26, at end insert— '(4A) Where childcare is provided by the governing body of a maintained school it must be both fully co-ordinated with other local provision and with the local Children and Young People's Plan, published under section 17 of the Children Act 2004 (c. 31).'. Amendment No. 32, in page 5, line 34, clause 9, leave out 'other than' and insert 'including'. Amendment No. 38, in page 6, line 13, clause 11, at end insert— '(1A) Assessments of sufficiency under subsection (1) must have regard to any Local Area Agreement relating to the local authority.'. Amendment No. 59, in page 6, line 28, leave out paragraph (a) and insert— '(a) consult— (i) parents and prospective parents in their area, (ii) early years providers in their area, including those in private and voluntary sectors, (iii) other persons engaged in activities which may improve the well-being of young children in their area, and (iv) young children in their area.'. Amendment No. 39, in page 12, line 33, clause 26, at end insert ', having regard to the Local Area Agreement process'.