The Council will be hosting an online discussion about childcare and early years provision across the islands from 7pm to 8pm on 30 June 2026.
This discussion has been prompted by recent announcements of changes to the level of provision on St Mary’s and Tresco and will kickstart a series of opportunities to engage on this issue. It is also part of our wider review of early years sufficiency, which considers existing provision, potential gaps, and current and future demand (based on valuable feedback from families and providers) and builds on previous work completed as part of the 2025 Childcare Sufficiency Audit.
Attendees at this meeting can expect to hear an update on the national context around early years and childcare, an explanation of the role and remit of the Council, and an outline the current childcare situation locally, along with some options for moving forward.
Ann Van Dyke MBE, who many of you met at our childcare sufficiency public engagement sessions in previous years, is returning to provide specialist support to our officers as we review the current situation, re-engage with providers and families, and support the development of a clear plan for both immediate pressures and longer-term childcare sufficiency. Ann has considerable experience in early years, childcare sufficiency, provider support and local authority childcare planning and would love the opportunity to meet with as many people as possible, both online and in person, during her visits over the coming months.
How to join the initial discussion
This initial meeting will be held online only. Anyone who has an interest in these issues on Scilly can join the meeting using the details below:
Date: 30 June 2026
Time: 7pm to 8pm
Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/38679511302885?p=Lo6iDn8znT3EuIWaAn
Meeting ID: 386 795 113 028 85
Passcode: Mo9wT3nx
Or dial in by phone: +44 20 7660 8305
Phone conference ID: 232 467 383#
Cllr Joel Williams, Chairman of the Council of the Isles of Scilly and Lead Member for Children, said: “The Council acknowledges the concerns being raised about current and future access to childcare and early years provision on the islands. We know this is a busy and worrying time for families, particularly those who are planning to return to work, increase working hours, or access early education for their children, but I encourage anyone who may be affected to join the discussion and make use of Ann’s expertise.
We understand how important high-quality early years education and childcare is for children, parents, carers, employers and the wider community. For families with young children, access to reliable provision is not simply a convenience; it supports children’s learning, development, confidence and social opportunities, enabling parents and carers to work and to contribute to island life. Please be assured that your concerns are being taken very seriously.
We also recognise the particular challenges of delivering childcare on our islands, where changes in provision can have a significant impact on families and the wider workforce. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank our existing and past providers for their dedication to supporting the community in this way over the years.
The Council’s priority at this time, is to work closely with providers, families and partner organisations to identify practical options and ensure that future planning is informed by local need. By coordinating views and focussing everyone’s efforts we hope to ensure that as much time as possible can be spent on developing and implementing solutions to meet this need.”
Next steps
We’re grateful to everyone who continues to share their concerns and experiences as requested, as all of this information is helping us build a clearer picture of need and will be important in shaping the next steps.
Ann will be visiting the islands again in July and plans to join our Children’s Services team at some of their scheduled sessions in order to meet any families who would like to chat about their childcare needs.
Further information
This work will also link closely with our wider Best Start in Life priorities, which focus on supporting children’s early development, wellbeing and readiness for school.
If you would like to ask any questions, or share any thoughts for Ann to consider outside of the various sessions, please contact familyscilly@scilly.gov.uk