City of London school childcare subsidy recommended
Officers propose £60,000 annual funding for The Aldgate School's provision for under-threes.
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City of London Corporation officers have recommended approving an annual £60,000 subsidy for The Aldgate School's childcare provision, alongside a one-off staff cost of £66,070.02. The Aldgate School is the only state school within the City of London and its on-site childcare caters for children from three months to three years old. The funding decision is scheduled for a vote by the Corporation's Community and Children’s Services Committee in September.
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The future of the childcare service, which currently has 16 places filled with eight occupied by City residents and a waiting list of 25 children, was previously uncertain. The funding for the provision was reduced from up to £174,000 per year to £60,000 per year following financial modelling by the school. The City Corporation has a statutory duty to ensure sufficient childcare for working parents and those entering work. While alternative provider capacity exists, the report notes that sufficiency depends on continued availability in a changing market. It also highlights strong resident and service-user support for retaining The Aldgate School's provision due to its affordability, outdoor space, and continuity of care.
The school is unable to subsidise its childcare from its Individual School Budget, making the Corporation's funding essential. The funding, if approved, can be met from the existing budget. The Aldgate School's children's centre was decommissioned in March 2024 as part of wider changes to local childcare, but parents have campaigned for the continuation of the service at the school. The funding was previously extended until August 2027 following parental concerns about affordability and continuity.
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Wayne Daly, a parent involved in the campaign, expressed encouragement regarding the latest report, stating that it explicitly recommends committee members vote in favour of the annual subsidy. He noted that the City Chamberlain has confirmed the funding is available. Common Councillor Jason Pritchard, representing the Portsoken ward, also welcomed the officers’ recommendation, describing it as a significant step forward for the children, families, and staff who depend on the service. He highlighted the school's effort in reducing the required subsidy and confirmed that officers have verified the funding can be sourced from existing budgets.
Councillor Pritchard added that the provision is well-used, affordable, has a waiting list, and offers important continuity of care and education for families whose children attend the City’s only state primary school. He urged members to accept the officers’ recommendation to provide certainty for the school, its staff, and families, stating that the decision is overdue.
Questions this report answers
+What is being recommended for The Aldgate School's childcare provision?
City of London Corporation officers have recommended approving an annual subsidy of £60,000 for The Aldgate School's childcare service. They have also recommended a one-off payment of £66,070.02 to cover staff costs. This recommendation will be voted on by the Community and Children’s Services Committee in September.
+How many children use the childcare service and is there a waiting list?
The Aldgate School's childcare service currently has 16 places filled, with eight of these occupied by City residents. There is also a waiting list of 25 children. The service caters for children aged from three months to three years old.
+What is the proposed annual funding amount and how does it compare to previous levels?
The proposed annual funding is £60,000. This represents a reduction from the previous subsidy, which was up to £174,000 per year. The school undertook financial modelling which led to this reduced figure.
+When will the final decision on the childcare funding be made?
The final decision on the proposed funding for The Aldgate School's childcare provision is scheduled to be made by the City of London Corporation's Community and Children’s Services Committee in September. The committee will vote on the officers' recommendation.
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