Devon begins childcare survey

A survey of parents and carers is being carried out by Devon County Council, to find out whether the current childcare provision across the county is meeting parents needs. The survey, which will be carried out by Morgans Research, will involve a large-

A survey of parents and carers is being carried out by Devon County Council, to find out whether the current childcare provision across the county is meeting parents' needs.

The survey, which will be carried out by Morgans Research, will involve a large-scale poll of parents and carers of children aged from 0-14 years, and disabled children aged up to 17 years, using both face to face and telephone interviews. In the region of 2,000 parents and carers will be interviewed and asked their opinions about childcare in the county and whether the existing provision meets their needs.

Telephone interviews start today (Monday) and run through March. A random sample of parents and carers will be contacted and invited to take part in a short, 10 to 15 minute interview. In late March face-to-face interviews are planned for parents or carers who can't otherwise be reached.

Councillor Andrea Davis, Devon County Council's Cabinet Member for Children and Young People's Health and Wellbeing, said: "We want to make sure there is enough suitable, quality childcare for parents who are working or in education or training, and particularly for those on a low income, or who have a child with special needs.

"It is important that children and young people have an opportunity to express their views on childcare. They are the main users and beneficiaries of the childcare services and their views and concerns need to be understood. Children will be spoken to in childcare settings, in schools and other groups such as the youth service."

Anyone who would like to comment directly on the availability of childcare in their area can email their comments to childcareinfo@devon.gov.uk, or visit www.devon.gov.uk/csaintroduction for more information.