Essex Early Years and Childcare Survey for Parents 2026

Overview

Essex County Council -  Early Years and Childcare Parents Survey 2026

This questionnaire is for parents and carers of children aged 0 – 19 years living in Essex ( 0-25 for Children with SEND)

Why your views matter

If you are a parent or carer living in Essex, please share your views with us by completing our 2026 parent survey.

Essex County Council has a statutory duty to ensure there is enough childcare available in their area—as far as is reasonably practicable—to meet the needs of working parents and those undertaking education or training. This includes babies and early years places, plus childcare for school-aged children covering before and after school and school holidays. 

We want to hear about your family's experience of childcare in Essex so that we can:
      .    Find out if your childcare needs are being met, for children aged 0-19 (up to 25 with SEND)
      .   find out if you are aware of, and able to access your funded early years entitlements
      .   hear about your experience of your child starting primary school in Essex
      .   find out more about where you find information about childcare and other  services for families in Essex

Your information is valued, and your responses will be treated in strictest confidence and will remain anonymous.  We ask that you do not include any personal details in this survey, however, if you would like to contact us further about your response, please email us at ccdl@essex.gov.uk.   
Your participation is voluntary. If you wish to withdraw your data, please make a note of the reference code given at the end of the questionnaire. Email this code to research@essex.gov.uk by Friday 31st July 2026. After this date, your data will have been combined with that of others.   

This survey will remain open until Friday 31st July 2026.

If you have any questions, please contact us by emailing CCDL@essex.gov.uk 

Thank you for your help.

Essex County Council fully complies with information legislation.  If you would like the full details of how we use personal data, and the rights you have about its use, please go to https://www.essex.gov.uk/privacy-community (‘Research and Citizen Insight team’) or call 03457 430430.