Assembly hears new ideas to help make childcare more affordable and accessible for London families

2 NOVEMBER 2011

Loan schemes to cover upfront costs and local networks of out-of-hours providers could help make childcare more affordable and accessible for families in the capital, the London Assembly heard today.

The Assembly’s Health and Public Services Committee was told that families in London are more reliant on formal childcare than those living in other parts of the UK[1] as well as facing above average costs[2].

Vidhya Alakeson, of think-tank the Resolution Foundation, suggested loan schemes for parents, to cover fees paid in advance to secure a nursery or childminder place, is one idea to help make childcare more affordable for families.

The Committee also heard how Londoners working unsociable hours face particular difficulties in finding suitable childcare.

Anand Shukla, of the Daycare Trust, highlighted one London scheme which helps match parents with registered childminders and nursery staff willing to look after children between 6am and 11pm, usually in the child’s own home, suggesting it could be extended across the capital.

Victoria Borwick, Chair of the HPS Committee said: “London families face a difficult situation when trying to find quality childcare that they can afford and meets their needs, especially those who work outside normal office hours. For families with more than one child, childcare can also be particularly challenging and difficult to organise.

”Our review is concentrating on provision for 0 to 4 year olds, ranging from childminders, nannies and nurseries from a range of providers, including those within Children's Centres.

“While there are no easy answers to making childcare more affordable and accessible, local Family Information Services[3] are an excellent source of advice for parents, and there are new ideas on the table to help families.

“We need to look at all options to see if the situation can be improved because, for parents, finding quality childcare at the right cost is key to being able to return to work if they wish to do so.”

As part of its childcare investigation the Committee held a meeting earlier this year with childcare experts and is currently surveying London families. It has also gathered views and evidence from providers. The investigation will culminate in a report due to be published early next year.

Notes for Editors:

  1. Twenty percent of children living in London are looked after by informal carers compared with 33% of children overall. See Table 2.5 of the Department for Education’s Early Years and Childcare parents survey 2009
  2. The cost of childcare in London is up to a third more than the UK average. See The London Childcare Market report 2011. Laing and Buisson, UeL and Tym and Partners for the LDA
  3. Each borough provides a Family Information Service to provide advice, guidance and information on services, activities and entitlements for families with children and young people up to the age of 19.
  4. Watch the webcast of the meeting.
  5. Find out more about the investigation and how parents can contribute their experiences
  6. The Chair of the Health and Public Services Committee, Victoria Borwick AM, is available for interview.  See contact details below.
  7. As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.

 

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