Published on Tuesday 27 June 2023
Parents are invited to share their experiences of childcare to help improve services for families living across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
BCP Council’s latest annual Parents Survey is a chance for carers and parents of children aged 0-14, and of children with a disability aged 0-18, to ask questions or voice any concerns they may have about current childcare provision.
The survey will be open from 26 June – 1 September 2023 and is available to complete online via the Have Your Say and Children, Young People and Families pages on BCP Council’s website.
Completing the survey will provide the council with valuable feedback which will help distinguish where change is required to improve childcare services.
The survey will investigate a range of areas, including how childcare use has changed over recent years, reasons for people using and not using childcare, levels of satisfaction with current childcare provision and understanding the working patterns of parents and carers.
Parents will also be asked about their views on new government funded childcare entitlements, which will begin to be introduced in England in 2024.
Darren Buckley, Senior Childcare Sufficiency and Funding Officer, said:
"The annual Parents Survey is a great platform for parents to voice their opinions and experiences of childcare across BCP, as well as bring to light any concerns they may have.
"If you are a parent, completing this survey will help to keep us informed of your views, so we can encourage change wherever necessary to best support you and your family in the future."
Councillor Richard Burton, Portfolio Holder for Children and Young People, commented:
"Supporting families with childcare across BCP will always be one of the council’s greatest priorities.
"In the past, our annual Parents Survey has provided us with the critical feedback required to make positive, sought after change to the child services we offer.
"We ask parents and carers across BCP to take the time to participate again this year, so we can look to rectify any concerns you may have and be confident that the best support is being afforded."
Should you require the questionnaire as a hard copy or in an alternative format, please contact the Childcare Sufficiency and Funding Team. Email: earlyeducation.fundingteam@bcpcouncil.gov.uk