It's not that Ken Livingstone has done nothing; he just hasn't done enough. The Childcare Affordability Programme (CAP) came in response to the Mayor's own childcare strategy of 2003. Funded jointly by the London Development Agency and the Department for Children, Schools and Families and managed across the capital by Greater London Enterprise and run locally by individual councils, the CAP has done good work in subsidising childcare for low-income parents, and in providing flexible places.
But there are several problems with the CAP: it's temporary, it's inconsistent, and it fails to help the poorest parents.
So what should the next Mayor do? First, make the CAP permanent. The current pilot was launched in 2005 and is due to end later this year. But the CAP must be given a reprieve, with the LDA increasing funding, and the Mayor lobbying central government for support.
Register now to continue reading
Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Unlimited access to news and opinion
-
Email newsletter providing activity ideas, best practice and breaking news
Already have an account? Sign in here
