Two thirds of nurseries in London are at risk of closure
By Rachel Lawler
commissioned by the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has revealed that two thirds of nurseries and more than half of childminders in the capital face potential closure within the next year.
Conducted by the Alliance and independent researchers Ceeda, the research found that 64% of nurseries and pre-schools, maintained nurseries and 56% of childminders believed they were at immediate risk of closure or potential closure in the next 12 months.
70% of settings in disadvantaged areas of London said that they were 鈥渟truggling鈥, compared with 59% in more affluent areas.
The Mayor is calling on the government to address the funding shortfall for providers, as the sector continues to struggle with funding rates and attendance levels in the coronavirus pandemic.
Extraordinary resilience
Sadiq Khan commented: 鈥淚 want to thank everyone working in the early years sector for the extraordinary dedication and resilience they have shown this past year. The early years of a child鈥檚 life are crucial to their future development and this childcare is absolutely essential to support working parents, but this research exposes the extent of the crisis the sector faces in our capital.
鈥淲e know that working mothers are being disproportionately impacted by the pandemic and are more likely to have lost their jobs 鈥 the result of structural inequality that has long existed. That is why I am calling on the Government to do everything in its power to support these key services, which are vital to London鈥檚 economic recovery, a lifeline for many of London鈥檚 working families, and a fundamental part of our duty of care to London鈥檚 children.
鈥淭he coronavirus pandemic has highlighted huge inequalities in our society and it is unacceptable that years of Government underinvestment in the early years mean children and parents from the most deprived parts of our city are now at increased risk of being left behind.鈥
Time for action
Neil Leitch, chief executive of the Alliance, added: "It is deeply concerning to see that, despite the crucial role that nurseries, pre-schools and childminders in London have played supporting local children and families throughout the pandemic, an ongoing lack of adequate government support - combined with years of underfunding - means the majority will struggle to survive the next 12 months.
鈥淲hat's more, given that we know early education is crucial to ensuring that all children are given the best possible start in life, it is particularly worrying that providers in more disadvantaged areas are at a significantly higher risk of experiencing financial difficulties than those in more affluent areas.
"With the effects of the Covid-19 outbreak likely to be felt for some time, action is needed now to protect the sector. We urge the government to heed the findings of this important report and ensure that all providers, including those providing vital care and education in the Capital, are given the support they need to remain viable throughout the pandemic, but also in the years to come.
"We look forward to supporting the Mayor鈥檚 office in its continued efforts to ensure this happens, and to build and maintain a strong, high quality early years sector in London."
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