Child Care Solicitors

The London Assembly Economy Committee has written to the Secretary of State for Education, Nicky Morgan, about expanding childcare provision in London.

Childcare in London remains around one-third more expensive than in any other part of the country, with 25 hours of nursery care for under two-year-olds costing an average of £158.73 per week in London – compared with an average of £118.13 across England.

Figures show the take-up of the government’s current 15-hour entitlement to free child care in London is also below the national average – roughly 50% of all eligible two-years-olds benefit, although in some inner London boroughs take-up is below 40%.

Longer commute times in London and a lack of informal care provided by family members – as well as the increasing number of jobs with evening and weekend hours – mean parents in London often require more hours of childcare.

The letter recommends that the government ensure that providers of free childcare in London are properly reimbursed – the London Assembly says, previously, the government has not provided sufficient funding to cover the market cost of childcare in London, leading to a funding shortfall.

The letter also says that the government should look at ways to increase the number of high quality childminders in London – and encourage more schools to establish nurseries, given that most of the spare capacity in London exists in schools.

Finally, it is recommended that the government consider devolving more powers to London government to set childcare policy and control funding.

London Assembly Member Fiona Twycross – Chair of the Economy Committee – said:

“The shortage of affordable and flexible childcare is one of the key reasons for low parental employment in London, particularly among women.

“Many families in London are struggling financially to meet the costs of childcare – and this means London’s economy loses out on talent, skills and experience.

“It’s essential we have sustainable and high quality childcare in the capital – and it’s vital that the government’s childcare commitment is properly implemented.

“London has long been disadvantaged by funding allocations – so while we welcome the government’s new entitlement, funding needs to reflect the true cost of childcare in the capital for it to be a success and help more people back into work.”

Duncan Lewis Children Lawyers

Duncan Lewis children lawyers can advise on a wide range of child care matters, including advising parents on their rights in the workplace, including parental leave and maternity and paternity pay.

There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide and our family law and child care solicitors are also able to advise on child care arrangements following separation, divorce or dissolution of a civil partnership, as well as court orders and children taken into Local Authority care.

For expert legal advice on family law and child care matters, call Duncan Lewis children lawyers on 0333 772 0409.