Commentary on Sections and Schedules Part 1:  General Functions of Local Authority: England Section 11: Duty to assess childcare provision
50.Section 11 places a duty on local authorities to assess, at least every 3 years, whether childcare provision in their area is sufficient, and to keep assessments under review. The section enables the Secretary of State to make regulations concerning the nature and the form of the assessment, whether and how it is published and which people must be consulted. Local authorities are also required to have regard to guidance issued by the Secretary of State in carrying out their assessment and review functions under this section.