Setting up as a childcare provider

All local authorities have a statutory duty to ensure that the provision of childcare in their areas is sufficient to meet the needs of parents, to allow them to work or undertake education or training.

As part of this, local authorities undertake a Childcare Sufficiency Assessment which looks at:

• the demand for childcare from parents and carers
• the supply across the district
• identifying any gaps between supply and demand

Bradford Council also needs to ensure that there is enough high quality early education places available to enable 3 and 4 year olds to access their free entitlement. The Childcare Act requires that special regard is paid to meet needs of vulnerable families and the needs of disabled children and children in care.

If you have any questions about childcare sufficiency, please contact the Sufficiency Team by email on sufficiency@bradford.gov.uk.

Setting up a day nursery, pre-school or out of school care

The sufficiency team are able to advise you on the area you are thinking of setting up childcare in using the childcare sufficiency assessment. They have lots of useful step-by-step guidance to assist you with setting up your childcare business and getting registered.

For further information, email the sufficiency team on sufficiency@bradford.gov.uk.

How to become a registered childminder

For more information visit the how to become a Childminder page.