Why are we consulting
The consultation is being undertaken to support Carmarthenshire County Council in fulfilling its statutory duties under the Childcare Act 2006 and the Childcare Act 2006 (Local Authority Assessment) (Wales) Regulations, as amended in 2026, together with the Welsh Government's Childcare Statutory Guidance for Local Authorities (2026).
The purpose of the consultation is to gather evidence from parents and carers, childcare providers, employers, children and young people, partner organisations and other stakeholders to develop a comprehensive understanding of the current and future childcare needs across Carmarthenshire.
Whilst the Childcare Sufficiency Assessment draws upon a wide range of demographic, economic and childcare market data, consultation is an essential part of the process. It supplements the quantitative analysis by providing valuable insight into the lived experiences of families, providers and employers, adding context to the data and helping to explain the factors behind emerging trends, challenges and opportunities. This richer evidence enables the Council to understand not only what is happening within the childcare market, but also why it is happening and what practical solutions stakeholders believe will make the greatest difference.
Through consultation, the Council will be able to identify unmet need and barriers to accessing childcare, understand workforce recruitment and retention challenges, explore the sustainability of the childcare sector, consider the availability of Welsh-medium and bilingual provision and childcare for children with Additional Learning Needs (ALN), and gather views on the support, funding and policy changes needed to meet future demand.
The findings will inform Carmarthenshire's 2027–2032 Childcare Sufficiency Assessment and its accompanying Action Plan, ensuring that future planning, investment and support for childcare services are evidence-based, reflect local priorities and are shaped by the views and experiences of those who know the childcare sector and the communities it serves best.
How to get involved
There will be a number of opportunities for individuals and organisations to contribute to the Childcare Sufficiency Assessment throughout the consultation period.
Participation will primarily be by invitation, with relevant stakeholders being contacted directly by Carmarthenshire County Council or Place Group to take part in:
- one-to-one telephone or online interviews;
- virtual or in-person focus groups; and
- targeted engagement sessions with specific stakeholder groups.
In addition, members of the project team will attend some existing events and community activities taking place across Carmarthenshire to engage directly with stakeholders.
Online surveys will also be available for employers and young people, enabling participants to contribute easily at a time that is convenient for them.
The consultation has been designed to be as inclusive and accessible as possible. Participants will be able to contribute in Welsh or English, and support will be available where required to enable meaningful participation.
Contribute by completing this online form: https://ymateb.gov.wales/s/PN47J5/
Next Steps
Consultation responses will be analysed alongside demographic and childcare market data to provide a comprehensive assessment of childcare sufficiency across Carmarthenshire. The findings will validate and add context to the quantitative evidence, identify priorities for improvement, and directly inform the development of the 2027–2032 Childcare Sufficiency Assessment and accompanying Action Plan.
Following approval, the final documents will be submitted to the Welsh Government and used to guide the future planning and development of childcare services across the county.
