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.
Second, the Mayor should work with GLE to ensure funds are allocated fairly across the city, and targeted at those who need them most. Inconsistency of access must be addressed.
Third, more nursery places should qualify for funding. Currently, only low-income parents using nurseries that cost between £175 and £205 per week can apply for help. The Mayor should order a review into the minimum level, which should be lowered, and possibly abolished.
The Mayor should prioritise greater access to affordable childcare for London's parents as a matter of priority.
All the evidence suggests that children, particularly those from poorer backgrounds, benefit from the experience of attending nursery.
