Gloucestershire children getting the best start in life thanks to high-quality childcare
At its meeting on Wednesday 23 September the Cabinet will discuss the report, which sets out how the county council is meeting its statutory duty to provide sufficient, high-quality childcare for families across the county and helping more children get the best possible start in life.
The report shows continued growth in childcare places, strong quality ratings, successful delivery of government childcare reforms and significant expansion of wraparound childcare before and after school.
There are now 597 early years education and childcare settings across Gloucestershire providing 15,590 childcare places for children aged 0 to 5. Since May 2025, the number of childcare places has increased by 546 places, helping more families access childcare close to home.
The report also demonstrates the strength of Gloucestershire's childcare sector. More than 92% of childminders and 93% of day care providers are rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted, giving families confidence that children are receiving high-quality early education and care.
In 2025, 68.57% of children achieved a Good Level of Development at the end of the Early Years Foundation Stage, remaining above the national average and helping ensure children start school ready to learn and succeed.
The report also highlights Gloucestershire's success in expanding wraparound childcare. Through funding from the Government's National Wraparound Childcare Programme, the county has met the Department for Education's target for at least 75% of schools to provide access to wraparound childcare.
Since the programme began, 57 schools and providers have received funding, creating 838 new full wraparound places and 190 partial places. Families can now access more than 7,500 before-school places, 7,300 after-school places and 3,500 holiday childcare places across Gloucestershire.
The report concludes that Gloucestershire continues to maintain a sufficient, diverse and high-quality childcare market.
Cllr Linda Cohen, cabinet member for Education and Skills, said: "Every child deserves the best possible start in life, and access to high-quality childcare plays a vital role in helping children learn, develop and thrive. "I'm delighted that this report shows Gloucestershire continues to perform strongly, with more childcare places available, excellent quality provision and school readiness outcomes above the national average.
"We've also made significant progress in expanding wraparound childcare, helping parents balance work and family life while ensuring children can access safe, enriching activities before and after the school day.
“This report highlights the strength and dedication of Gloucestershire's childcare sector. While we know there is more to do, particularly to improve outcomes for disadvantaged children and children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, we are working closely with providers to increase childcare capacity in areas where it is most needed. Our priority is to ensure every child has the best possible start in life and that families can access the childcare and support they need."
If approved by Cabinet, the report will be published alongside an action plan that will continue to support childcare sufficiency, strengthen inclusion for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, support workforce development and ensure Gloucestershire remains well placed to meet future demand.
To find out more about early years and childcare provision, please visit: https://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/education-and-learning/early-years-and-childcare/.