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London childcare providers network
update 7
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Results of our London childcare providers survey 2010
An enormous thank you to all those of you who responded to, or circulated our 2010 London childcare providers survey. We received almost 300 responses, representing at least 540 providers, including childminders, full daycare, nursery, sessional and out-of-school provision. A press release was sent to national and London media. Without your contribution we would not have been able to have such impact!
Key findings include:
- 70% of providers indicating they feel that the Early Years Foundation Stage has had a positive impact on childcare in general.
- Borough network meetings and joint training opportunities are seen as key ways to share practice.
- 70% consider their communications with local authorities as very good or good.
- The recession has led to an impact in reduced demand for 40% of those responding.
The results have been quoted by Radio 4 during an interview with Sarah Teather, Minister of State for Children and Families, and also in the Evening Standard, The Times, Children and Young People Now, Child Care Magazine and Nursery World. We have also produced a snapshot of provider success stories, and a powerpoint presentation of the results was given at our 2010 London childcare providers forum. Over the next few months we hope to produce further documents from the results.
You can also see the results on our website.
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London childcare providers forum 2010
We held a very successful second annual London childcare providers forum on 6 July 2010. We heard from the Department of Education regarding latest childcare policy, and UNISON on workforce issues. An inspiring opening plenary was made by Dr. Manuzah Tabassum, head of Langdon school in Newham. Workshops included a dad talking about his experience of a father's group in Croydon, a parent champion on their work in Westminster, and a Southwark out-of-hours childcare scheme. The programmes and presentations are on our website.
"Very interesting and inspiring content - balanced plenaries and thought-provoking discussions"
"This was one of the best forums we have attended - thank you"
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Briefing sheet on out-of-school provision for 5-14 year olds
We have produced a briefing sheet on 'Out-of-school provision for 5-14 year olds in London'. This attempts to summarise both provision and policies, and is particularly in light of a general lack of information and policy announcements relating to this group.
With welfare reform programmes coming into force the demand for childcare for older children will increase, whilst our 2010 Holiday Costs Survey shows provision is decreasing. See below.
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Holiday care costs down, but so is provision!
Daycare Trust's annual Holiday childcare costs survey 2010 shows the typical weekly costs in Greater London as follows, with an average 11% decrease compared to 2009:
Local authority provision £74
Private/voluntary/independent £102
Average £88
However nationally just 20% of local authorities are confident they can meet parental need. A number of London boroughs are further reducing expenditure in this area. For instance Westminster Council has outlined £1.6 million in cuts to early years funding and £900,000 to youth and play services.
You can read more on the Daycare Trust website.
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Monitoring child poverty in London
The Greater London Authority has just published its 'Fourth monitoring report for the London Child Poverty Commission', June 2010.
The London Child Poverty Commission document reports that around 630,000 (39%) of children in London live under the poverty threshold after housing costs. This is the highest child poverty rate of any region or country in the UK, which has an average of 31%. For inner London the rate is 44% and for outer London 37%.
HMRC estimates that take-up rates of tax credits continue to be the lowest in London.
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Daycare Trust updates
Daycare Trust annual Conference 2010 - 'What now for childcare?'
Tuesday 16 November, Westminster
This year’s conference will look at the Childcare Strategy, identifying areas of progress and those in which new ideas are needed. You will hear from leading representatives about the role childcare plays in the economy, as well as showcasing good international practice. Sarah Teather, Secretary of State for Children and Families will give a keynote speech. This major conference is well-timed to provide you with up-to-date information on the plans of the coalition government for early childhood education and care. Speakers include: Rt Hon Iain Duncan Smith*, Ed Balls, Shadow Secretary of State for Education*, Sarah Teather Minister of State for Children and Families, plus Paul Bennett, OECD Directorate for Education, Mike Brewer, Institute for Fiscal Studies. * invited. To take advantage of our early bird booking rate or to see full details visit our website.
Special Offer
We are offering members of the London e-bulletin a special discounted rate to purchase out Quality costs: paying for Early Childhood Education and Care, the findings of which were showcased at the London Providers Forum. To purchase at the special prices of just £15 (normal purchase price £25) email our publication officer quoting the reference LON1.
Information line service
The Daycare Trust information line offers information to parents, employers and professionals on childcare options and financial help with costs.
0845 872 6251
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 10am-1pm and 2-5pm & Wednesday 2-5pm. Interpreting service available. Or email info@daycaretrust.org.uk
Daycare Trust training
In addition to free events run as part of this London project, Daycare Trust also runs a number of ongoing training courses. For details and prices please contact Jan Burt or view out website. A new 2-day training package for FIS officers is also now available, run in partnership with MCA - for details email renata.mcgrath@m-c-a.co.uk. |
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Useful London websites
4in10: The End Child Poverty London Project - raising awareness and campaigning on child poverty issues, identifying projects that have been shown to have a positive impact, and developing networks.
European Cities Against Child Poverty Network - an EU-wide network tackling child poverty, involving Greater London Enterprise, London Development Agency and London Councils.
London Play - promoting improved play spaces and services.
Young London Matters - a London approach to Every Child Matters.
Childcare Affordability Programme - The Childcare Affordability Programme, helping families get into work.
Government Office for London (GOL) - representing central government across the capital, delivering policies and programmes for eleven central government departments, and making London's case in Whitehall.
London Child Poverty Network - set up by the Government Office for London and London Councils for local authorities and partners to share good practice, discuss local issues and to support joint approaches.
London Councils - lobbies the government and others on behalf of its 33 member councils, for a fair share of resources, and to protect and enhance council powers. It develops policies & helps boroughs to improve services.
London Development Agency (LDA) - working to deliver the Mayor's vision for London to be a sustainable world city with strong, long-term economic growth, social inclusion and active environmental improvement.
Greater London Authority (GLA) - aiming to provide strategic direction for the future of London, and overseeing some cross-London services.
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Your London news
If you have London news to share, please email Deborah Brodie, London Childcare Project Coordinator, on dbrodie@daycaretrust.org.uk or telephone 020 7940 7512 (direct Mon-Thurs) / 020 7940 7510 (switchboard).
www.daycaretrust.org.uk
Daycare Trust, 2nd Floor, Novas Contemporary Urban Centre, 73-81 Southwark Bridge Road, London, SE1 0NQ
We hope that readers find this bulletin useful, and welcome suggestions.
The London childcare providers network project is funded by London Councils.
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Inclusion in this ebulletin does not constitute an endorsement on the part of Daycare Trust.
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