Dorset Council is asking parents and carers to help shape future childcare provision.
What would you like to see more of? Do you get what you need when you need it? Are services and activities close enough? This is your chance to tell us.
You can have your say by filling out an anonymous short survey which will only take five minutes to complete. There is also a chance to win one of two £25 Amazon vouchers as you will be entered into a prize draw (contact details will only be used for this purpose).
We want to hear from parents and carers of children aged 0 to 14 (18 if they have SEND) that currently use childcare – whether that’s from a childcare provider, after school or holiday club, a friend or relative. This will help to shape future development of childcare in the area to make it flexible, sustainable and responsive to the needs of the community.
We are particularly interested to hear the views from parents/carers of children with additional needs, including special educational needs or disability.
We also want to hear from parents unable to find suitable childcare.
Cllr Andrew Parry, Dorset Council Portfolio Holder for Children, Education and Early Help, said:
“We have some fantastic nurseries and childminders in Dorset, but some parents are struggling to find a place that suits them. We want to find out on what we can do to improve services and make sure they are flexible, sustainable and cover the needs of the local community.
“We need to understand what parents need and if COVID-19 has impacted on their circumstances and choices. The views and experiences from the people using local childcare services, or struggling to find a place, are essential.
“I urge anyone that has children likely to need childcare to take part in the survey so that we can build an accurate a picture as possible of what is likely to be needed and where. This will help us to shape appropriate childcare provision for families with young children in Dorset.”
The survey closes on 11 October 2020.
Parents can complete the survey online
