Applied Intelligence Briefing
Edge Analytics / Applied Intelligence BriefingCase study
Early years provision
Edge Analytics used its EDGE-UCATE Early Years model to assess future imbalances between funded childcare demand and supply across Tameside.
- Client
- Tameside Council
- Model
- EDGE-UCATE Early Years
- Purpose
- Funded places
Ward-level evidence connecting eligibility, uptake, population growth and available provision
The business challenge
How will funded childcare supply fall short as entitlements expand?
Context
The expansion of funded childcare to working parents of children from nine months old created an urgent need to assess future supply and demand. Tameside required evidence for the borough and each ward, distinguishing potential shortage from surplus by entitlement group.
Requirement
Assess current and future funded-place balances consistently across all 19 wards and entitlement types.
Method
- 01
Population forecasts
Applied VICUS to forecast children from nine months to age four, including planned housing growth.
- 02
Eligibility + uptake
Combined funded-entitlement eligibility with historical uptake evidence supplied by the Council.
- 03
Provision profile
Mapped available funded places and compared future demand by ward and entitlement type.
Outputs & significance
Ward-level balances reveal pressure
19
Current provision
Identified funded places available in every ward by entitlement age group and type.
Future demand
Forecast eligible child populations and potential uptake, accounting for planned housing.
Local imbalance
Compared supply and demand to reveal potential surplus or shortage within each ward.
Significance
A balanced borough can conceal shortages
Ward-level evidence exposed substantial local variation and highlighted where housing growth and existing under-provision required prompt action.