NDNA says Government and local authorities must work together to tackle childcare affordability

Feb. 23, 2012 - PRLog -- In response to the London Assembly report published today, National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) says Government and local authorities must work with nurseries to tackle the problem of childcare affordability in London.

Purnima Tanuku OBE, Chief Executive of NDNA, said: “NDNA and our members took part in the London Assembly review and contributed to the report. The cost of childcare is inevitably higher in London than elsewhere in the country and action needs to be taken to stop parents being locked out of work.  

“Government and local authorities must look at the free entitlement funding to ensure it is enough to cover the higher costs of childcare in London. A sufficient level of funding will stop nurseries having to increase the costs of paid-for hours to cover the losses they make on the free entitlement.  Two year old places in London have tended to be funded at a higher rate and if this continues it will help to enable providers in London to meet the challenge of providing for the most disadvantaged children.

“Private and voluntary nurseries have an important role to play and are keen to offer affordable, high-quality childcare for families in London. It is also vital that parents use all the support available to them, such as tax credits, childcare vouchers and free nursery education hours, which can help to make the cost of childcare more manageable.”

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Notes to editors:  
•   National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) is a national charity representing children’s day nurseries across the UK, giving them information, training and support, so they can provide the best possible care to young children. NDNA is the voice of the sector, an integral part of the lives of nearly one million children and their families

•   For more information please contact Lindsay Garfitt, Senior PR and Policy Officer, on 01484 40 70 66, 07718 803652 or Lindsay.Garfitt@ndna.org.uk

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National Day Nurseries Association is a national charity representing children’s nurseries across the UK, giving them information, training and support, so they can provide the best possible care to young children.