After section 118 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 (c. 31) there is inserted—

“118A Duties of LEA in respect of childcare

(1)

A local education authority shall review annually the sufficiency of childcare provision for their area.

(2)

In carrying out a review for the purposes of subsection (1), a local education authority—

(a)

may have regard to any facilities which they expect to be available outside their area for providing childcare; and

(b)

shall have regard to any guidance given from time to time by the Secretary of State.

(3)

A local education authority shall also establish and maintain a service providing information to the public relating to the provision of childcare and related services in their area.

(4)

In relation to the function, form and content of a service established and maintained under subsection (3), a local education authority shall have regard to any guidance given from time to time by the Secretary of State.”