Childcare is a key issue, expected to grow in importance. Ken Livingstone, the Mayor of London has described childcare as the single most important issue in London.
The goal of full employment in London is dependent on creating a supportive environment for working families.
Childcare presents a challenging business model if it is to be accessible. It is no problem to provide childcare; providing quality childcare services at affordable prices, however is much more difficult.
Social enterprise is increasingly being looked at as the business model that can fix this conundrum. It is SEL’s view that social enterprise cannot provide the whole answer without government subsidy.
Social enterprise can increase participation levels, to ensure a wider take-up of childcare services within different communities. This could in turn lead to increased regeneration in neighbourhoods with low levels of employment.
Social enterprise also has a role to play in locking in childcare assets for community benefit; as no profit is given to private shareholders, it can be reinvested into the organisation to perhaps reduce fees or increase the level of service it is able to offer.
The economics of childcare are the key issue here: finding a way to allow families of all income levels access to good quality childcare. It is also vital for economic growth in the UK.
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