On the map

Now that local authorities are to manage the childcare market in their area, will they be able to work more successfully with the PVI sector? Simon Vevers reports Local authorities are used to being handed targets for childcare places by the DfES, but under the Childcare Act they have a new duty – a broader commissioning role – to ensure that there is sufficient childcare for parents who work or undertake training before gaining employment. The duty applies ‘so far as is reasonably practicable’, and in order for local authorities to judge whether they are meeting the sufficiency...