15 April 2008 - On 1 May, Londoners will elect their new Assembly members. Daycare Trust is calling on candidates from all parties to address London's childcare affordability crisis and make it a central theme in their campaigns.
"The link between a supply of high-quality, affordable childcare and taking families out of poverty is clear. It is London's great shame that so many of its youngest citizens live in poverty, and finding a solution is the greatest challenge for any politician aspiring to represent Londoners," said Joint-Chief Executive, Alison Garnham.
Daycare Trust believes the country has made enormous improvements to its childcare system in recent years, but stresses that there is much work still to be done, particularly in London. Daycare Trust has sent a letter to London Assembly candidates highlighting some of the most pressing issues, listed below:
*The highest child poverty rates in the country (41 per cent, compared to 29 per cent nationally, according to the London Child Poverty Commission)
*The highest childcare costs in the country (an average of £200 per week, compared to £159 per week on average in England, according to Daycare Trust's Childcare Costs Survey 2008)
*The significant number of families - particularly low-income families - who are still not taking up the free nursery place for their three-year-old children
*The lack of out-of-school and holiday childcare for older children, a problem that will worsen when lone parents will be required to find work when their youngest child reaches 12 years of age
Daycare Trust is calling on candidates of all parties to pledge their support for better childcare for families in London, by emailing scharity@daycaretrust.org.uk.
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NOTES TO EDITORS
About Daycare Trust
Daycare Trust is the national childcare charity, campaigning for quality affordable accessible childcare for all and raising the voices of children, parents and carers. We advise parents and carers, providers, employers, trade unions and policymakers on childcare issues. We recognise that everyone is unique and we value difference in our communities. We listen to all views and are committed to act without prejudice. We oppose all discrimination and promote equality in all we do.
Daycare Trust is calling on the Government to
1. Meet parents' aspirations for universal childcare services by:
- expanding free places for two, three and four-year olds to at least 20 hours a week, for 48 weeks in the year and
- subsidising out of school activities for all 11-14s and for younger children from poorer families, aiming ultimately to make them free.
2. Tackle the affordability crisis by giving local authorities the means to develop sustainable services in poorer areas and provide free places for those missing out, including places for disabled children, parents needing out of hours care, Further Education students and parents of under-threes who want to train.
3. Set new standards for the pay of childcare workers, either through national benchmarks or incentives such as the Graduate Leader Fund.
Daycare Trust runs an information line (020 7840 3350) on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10am-5pm. Parents can also visit www.daycaretrust.org.uk for information.
Daycare Trust is a member of the Campaign to End Child Poverty, www.ecpc.org.uk. |
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