> ## Knowledge Base Index
> Fetch the complete knowledge base index at: https://help.childcaredemand.com/sitemap.xml
> Use this file to discover available pages before exploring further.
> Pure-Markdown content can be obtained by appending a '.md' suffix to the content URLs listed in the sitemap (without the trailing slash).

# How to read demand, supply and development evidence

## Read the evidence as well as the headline

A catchment report combines different measures. They answer different questions and should not be treated as interchangeable.

- Approved places describe service capacity, not current vacancies or actual occupancy.
- Population and estimated demand describe the local demand model, not a waiting list of families ready to enrol.
- Observed CCS enrolments are a separate signal with their own age range, geography and reporting period.
- A development application is evidence of a proposed project, not proof that a centre is operating or will open on a particular date.

## Check dates, coverage and confidence

Use the report's source links, dates and confidence notes. An unknown place count stays unknown. A missing pipeline record does not prove that there is no proposed competition. Public planning evidence and refresh coverage can vary by council.

## Why can two reports disagree?

Check the exact address, catchment type and size, source periods and metric definitions first. A drive-time catchment and a radius can cover different communities. Compare like with like.

If a figure looks wrong, send Luke the report link, affected field and a public source supporting the correction.

[Methodology](https://childcaredemand.com/methodology) | [Coverage](https://childcaredemand.com/coverage)