The parliament of Middle Temple, made up of senior barristers and judges, last week threw out the Bar Nursery Association's plan to set up a nursery in the space currently occupied by the St Clements Cafe, whose lease is coming to an end. It argued that more income might be generated if the space is used differently.
The women barristers thought the parliament may also have been reluctant to agree to a 15-year lease, which was required by private provider Newpark Childcare, who would have run the nursery.
But the parliament said it was in favour of a Bar nursery and committed to looking for other suitable premises to provide affordable childcare.
The Middle Temple cafe is the first suitable location that has become available since the Bar Nursery Association was set up two-and-a-half years ago by barristers Jess Connors, Kate Grange, both currently on maternity leave, and Victoria Butler-Cole from the 39 Essex Street Chambers to campaign for an on-site nursery (News, 25 September 2008).
They said a nursery, offering full-time and part-time places as well as emergency childcare, would support the long working hours of barristers and staff in the four Inns of Court and help women juggling work and childcare in a male-dominated profession.
Findings from surveys by the Bar Council and Bar Nursery Association have suggested that the provision of a nursery service tailored to barristers' needs would be welcomed and help mothers to continue working.
Ms Butler-Cole (pictured) said, 'There may be a Bar nursery in the future, and we are hopeful that this isn't the end of the road. We know from our surveys that barristers and staff would use the nursery and it would be good for emergency cover. But it depends on the effort the Inns are willing to put in to its creation and whether any suitable premises can be found.'
