City of London Corporation Announce Childcare Policy - June 2025

City of London Corporation Childcare Policy - June 2025

The City of London Corporation has launched its Childcare Policy - Supporting access to childcare: Childcare Accessibility Scheme. The City of London Corporation is committed to ensuring there is a sustainable supply of childcare provision in the Square Mile to meet the range of needs and demand for places, and to enable households on lower incomes to secure quality childcare that is accessible and affordable.

Access to affordable, high-quality childcare supports the wellbeing and development of children and is essential to enabling parents and carers to work and to promoting economic stability.

The cost of childcare is a significant barrier – especially to low-income families. Many low-income parents struggle to meet childcare costs which make up an ever-increasing proportion of families’ net income. High costs can lead parents (especially mothers) to reduce working hours or exit the workforce - impacting both gender equality and household finances.

This commitment echoes that of the government – in recognising the vital role of affordable childcare to the wellbeing of children and families – but goes further in its support of families living in the Square Mile – particularly in the support of childcare provision for children aged 0-2 years. In doing so it helps those for whom additional childcare costs (and the limitations of government support) are a barrier to full-time or additional working hours

Its delivery aligns with and supports the City Corporation’s Early Help offer (services aimed at preventing the escalation of needs or risk). Early Years (universal services aimed at improving outcomes for all children under 5 years old) and our support for those children and young people with special educational needs and disability (SEND) support our commitment that children have the best start in life.

The policy also delivers the commitments in the City Corporation's Corporate Plan. This is by improving our public services and progressing social inclusion and social mobility for all. Its development and delivery are underpinned by the principles of fairness, equality of opportunity, reducing health inequalities and enhancing choice – recognising the constraints of the public purse, in targeting those families on a lower income.

To find out the full details of the City of London Childcare Policy download the document here: City of London Childcare Policy - June 20, 2025