Families lack childcare support in the capital

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 13th Jun 2006

Childcare in London must be improved as a matter of urgency to lift families out of poverty and support children with disabilities, special needs and their parents, a London Assembly report says today.

Less expensive and flexible childcare should be available for those who need it most. The capital has the UK's highest child poverty rates and amongst the worst available childcare facilities in the country. On average, parents in London pay 25 per cent more than in the rest of the UK.

The findings are a result of the Assembly's Economic Development, Culture, Sport and Tourism Committee's examination of the way the Mayor's Childcare Strategy is implemented by the London Development Agency.

The report reveals that it is also harder to find and retain staff in London and closure rates of facilities are high compared to other small businesses. One nursery closes for every four that open, one out-of-school club closes for every two new clubs and, for every new childminding business, another one closes.

Despite the London Development Agency making some significant steps to improve childcare, the Committee's investigation found more work needs to be done to develop suitable, affordable and accessible childcare across the capital. Problems are particularly acute for disabled children and some ethnic minority families.

Dee Doocey AM, Chair of the Committee, said: "Decent childcare is vital for a successful economy. It enables parents to work and, as a result, it helps lift many families out of poverty. But the London Development Agency has not yet done enough to address the specialist needs of disabled children and to support their parents. This is just not acceptable."

The scarcity of services in London for disabled children means their parents are less likely to take-up employment, training or education, which could increase their income.

Research in September 2005 on registered day care places revealed some boroughs had fewer than 10 places per 100 for under-five's childcare. These include Barking and Dagenham at 6.6, Bexley at 7 and Harrow at 9.5.

The report identifies some shortcomings with the London Development Agency's childcare programme and makes recommendations for them to deliver urgent improvements to childcare provision, including:

Improving data collection for children with disabilities, special health and behaviour needs

Ensure childcare costs no more for families with children who have special needs

Be more flexible in the use of existing buildings and sites, such as mobile crèches and home-based childcare, and include individual childminders among the groups the London Development Agency supports

Provide funding, training and support for childcare workers in business planning and administration

Monitor and support boroughs' involvement with private and voluntary sector childcare providers

Dee Doocey added: "We recognise the London Development Agency's work on childcare is at a relatively early stage. Although there is evidence of some achievements, a lot more improvements are needed. The Childcare Bill introduces new duties for local authorities. We hope our report presents positive ideas that will contribute to the effectiveness of the Bill."

The Conservative Group members on the Committee do not agree with the findings above and have produced a minority report, which is attached in annex one of the main report.