PARENTS across York are being urged to have their say on the state of the city’s childcare system this summer.

City of York Council will be carrying out its second Childcare Sufficiency Assessment during this month, July and August, with parents being asked to air their views on issues including the location, quality and cost of the services provided.

The results of the consultation are designed to allow the authority to target gaps in provision.

Coun Carol Runciman, its executive member for children and young people’s services, said: “The quality of services are frequently assessed by a number of different inspectors, but the views of parents are also very important. Asking parents where they think the gaps in provision are is a good way to assess whether or not existing services are being advertised well.

“It may be that a service already meets a need identified by parents, but that the information is not easily available enough for them to be aware it exists.

“I hope as many people as possible will take the time to complete the survey and let us know their views.”

Consultation forms will be available from Children’s Centres and libraries, and residents can also get involved by phoning the York Family Information Service on 01904 554444 or logging on to yor-ok.org.uk/childcare