Families in South West London who are struggling to afford childcare costs could take advantage of Government-funded loan schemes from next year.
By Matt Stott, Noel Graffie, Stephanie Lawson & Marina Izidro
Families in South West London who are struggling to afford childcare costs could take advantage of Government-funded loan schemes from next year.
A report by the London Assembly shows fees for children under five in the region are up to 35% higher than the national average.
London and the South East remain the most expensive in Britain for all forms of childcare.
In the capital, the average cost of 25 hours’ nursery for children under two is £118.54, equating to £6,164 a year. The same provision in the North West is £82.70 a week, or £4,300 annum.
Collett Servei, 24, of Graham Road, Hampton, had to put aside her hopes of self-employment as she could not afford both childcare and college fees.
“It is ridiculous. I can’t go back to work. I have got two children and it is going to cost me £2,000 a month to get them into full-time nursery,” she said.
“The nurseries are thinking they can make some money here, and think ‘why not just rip everyone off?’”
Parents could be helped to pay fees in advance to secure a nursery or child-minder place after ministers heard how Londoners face particular difficulties in finding suitable childcare. A report by the Health and Public Services Committee will be released early next year.
Rebecca Edwards, 29, of Princes Road, Teddington, sent her five-year-old daughter, Grace, to the Methodist Church nursery and was content with the care received.
“It was quite expensive but it was a brilliant nursery,” she said. “We were very happy with the quality of care. We did get our money’s worth.
“It is expensive and the Government can help out by making nurseries not charge as much or increasing the number of hours in the grant, which could help families that are struggling.”
