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It also says that the borough has sufficient registered childcare provision to meet the needs of children under five and to deliver early years entitlements.

The report is a statutory requirement and is based on the findings of an Early Years and Childcare Sufficiency Assessment carried out by an external agency during the 2018 Summer Term.

It found that quality in early years provision has improved over the last five years. In 2013, 79 per cent of early years settings were judged to be good or outstanding by OFSTED. In 2018, this has risen to 98 per cent, which is better than national or regional averages.

“This means that young children in Telford and Wrekin are receiving good early years education and provision which will help them to develop school readiness which is likely to support their success as they make the transition into school.”

The report also outlines that survey findings identified that the sufficiency of out of school and holiday club provision for school-aged children could be strengthened. With a growing school age population due to housing growth in the borough demand for this provision is likely to continue to rise from working parents. The local authority is working with providers to explore how this demand can be met in the future.

Councillor Shirley Reynolds, Telford & Wrekin Council’s cabinet member for Education and Skills, said: “Having good early years provision is very important because it ensures our children are developing the skills they need to be ‘school ready’ and plays a key part in enabling parents of young children to find work.

“Good quality early years education is also regarded as the cornerstone of social mobility.

“The report also outlines strategies that are proposed to address any gaps in sufficiency but overall the picture is extremely positive.”