With research showing that one in three people works outside ofconventional office hours, partly due to the growth of the servicesector, it is little surprise that the demand for flexible childcareloomed large in local authorities' recent sufficiency assessments.
James Hempsall, who runs a specialist training, research and consultancybusiness for the early years sector, has studied more than 40assessments. He says he has 'yet to see an assessment that does nothighlight the need for flexible childcare'. But he believes this termstraddles a range of childcare arrangements to suit family needs - fromemergency, ad hoc care to overnight and weekend provision.
'We cannot expect "flexible" to be a catch-all term,' says Mr Hempsall.'It's critically important that all childcare providers are able tobalance a flexible offer with meeting the needs of parents and childrenwhile sustaining their business.'
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