PART IVSUPPORT FOR CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES

Children in need and their families

Review of provision for day care, child minding, etc.20.

(1)

Every authority shall review—

(a)

the provision which it makes under Article 19;

(b)

the extent to which the services of child minders are available within the authority's area with respect to children under the age of twelve;

(c)

the provision for day care within the authority's area made for such children by persons required to register under Article 118(1)(b).

(2)

A review under paragraph (1) shall be conducted—

(a)

together with F1the Education Authority and district councils; and

(b)

at least once in every review period.

(3)

In paragraph (2)(b) “review period” means the period of one year beginning with the commencement of this Article and each subsequent period of three years beginning with an anniversary of that commencement.

(4)

In conducting any such review, the authority shall have regard to any exempt provision made within the authority's area with respect to children under the age of twelve.

(5)

In paragraph (4) “exempt provision” means provision to which the exemption provided by paragraph (1) or (2) of Article 121 applies (schools, hospitals and other establishments exempt from the registration requirements which apply in relation to the provision of day care).

(6)

Where an authority has conducted a review under this Article it shall publish the result of the review—

(a)

as soon as is reasonably practicable;

(b)

in such form as it considers appropriate; and

(c)

together with any proposals it may have with respect to the matters reviewed.

(7)

Any review under this Article shall have regard to any representations which the authority considers to be relevant.