Stay of execution for The Aldgate School following changes in childcare services

The Aldgate School’s childcare service for under twos has secured funding until mid-2027, but some are calling for a longer-term plan.

The City of London’s only state primary school is to continue delivering childcare for kids up to two until August 2027 after further funding was agreed by councillors.

The Aldgate School, an ‘Outstanding’ rated institution on the City’s eastern edge by Tower Hamlets, faced losing its zero to two childcare offering from this August under plans to change how children’s centre services are delivered.

The provision was given a stay of execution at a meeting in January when City of London Corporation members voted to fund it until August 2026 and reconsult following protestations from parents.

Further funding of £147,000 was agreed at Thursday afternoon’s (19 June) Community and Children’s Services Committee meeting, with a commitment by the Corporation to work with The Aldgate School to secure a financially viable future model for the service.

There was a push from some members for alternative options to be considered, such as funding the provision beyond August 2027.

There was a small protest outside the Guildhall ahead of the meeting, attended by some parents and staff. One of those present, Wayne Daly, said the additional funding still does not provide long-term assurances and that he will continue to call for a long-term plan.

The potential loss of the provision, which came after a vote by Corporation members to change the delivery of childcare services last March, drew significant concern from parents and others connected with the school.

Following January’s decision to reconsult on potential changes to childcare services, one parent, Amine El Qazoui, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) the funding extension to August 2026 was a ‘positive first step’.

‘However, we still need to follow this issue closely, as I expect a new consultation process to take place,’ he added. ‘The fundamental risk remains, and it’s crucial we keep the momentum going to ensure a permanent solution is found for zero-to-two childcare provision at Aldgate.’

The results of the consultation, which closed on May 2, were revealed by Common Councillor Jason Pritchard at a Court of Common Council meeting. He disclosed that 75 per cent of respondents had ranked retaining the subsidy as their first choice, with 87 per cent ranking its removal last.

Cllr Pritchard described the consultation results as ‘crystal clear’, telling the LDRS: ‘Any move to close or reduce provision there would directly contradict the wishes of parents, carers, and City residents and would seriously undermine the credibility of the consultation process itself. I now expect the City to respect the outcome of its own consultation and provide families with the certainty they deserve.’

Corporation officers had recommended ahead of Thursday’s meeting that the £174,000 in funding be approved to enable the zero-to-two childcare provision to continue until August 2027.

Amendments to the childcare policy were also recommended, including increasing the income threshold of eligible households to £60,000 a year, meaning more families could access it.

In the report, officers noted the Corporation does not provide direct funding to any other childcare setting in the Square Mile and that the Government is increasing access to funded childcare for children nine months and above from September.

‘While very welcome, the impact of this change will take some time to assess,’ officers wrote. ‘Beyond just measuring demand, there is a significant chance that the funding the City Corporation receives to implement this policy, will fall short of the full cost of securing the provision.’

Several committee members raised concerns about the recommendation to fund the provision until August 2027 only.

Cllr Pritchard, a representative for the local Portsoken ward, queried the position of officers that the recommendation would align with Government policy regarding Family Hubs.

Cllr Pritchard pointed to funding for school-based nurseries as part of last week’s Spending Review, warning that the decision may have the opposite effect claimed by officers and clash with the Government’s direction. There was also some discussion about the number of residents with children attending the provision.

Deputy Ceri Wilkins told members spending £174,000 annually for two Square Mile residents was ‘a lot of money that’s currently supporting people who don’t live in the City that could be benefiting people who aren’t even accessing childcare at the moment, who could then do so.’

This drew a sharp response from Cllr Pritchard, who claimed Deputy Wilkins was ‘misrepresenting’ the figures. Deputy Wilkins’s position was supported by Judith Finlay, Executive Director of Community and Children’s Services, before the school’s Chair of Governors Beverley Ryan clarified that there are two City children in the zero-to-two room and four among the two-year-olds.

‘I think to say that this money is for two City children is again, not helpful,’ she said. ‘So I think we either have to say we’re not talking about numbers, or we have to have the full picture.’

Deputy John Fletcher told the committee he has been ‘saddened by the animosity’ that the issue has created.

‘Where this court and our committees are strong is when we operate cooperatively together, understanding that we do have different views but they are not necessarily in conflict, and we are far better and stronger when we work together.’

The committee voted to approve both the updated childcare policy and the funding for the school until August 2027.

Following the meeting, several parents told the LDRS they remain concerned about the long-term future of the childcare provision.

Jiya Dave described the decision as ‘unfair’, adding: ‘This funding was originally intended to support zero to two childcare, and it should continue to do so without question about removing it.’

Mr Daly said: ‘While any continuation of the service is welcome, there is still no long-term solution or policy forthcoming from the City. A one-year extension to the existing support gives very little reassurance to Aldgate School staff and parents.

‘There’s still no obvious reason why the City can’t offer longer-term financial backing for this vital provision; the annual costs are tiny compared to most other projects that they fund. I expect a lot more than this from our local authority and will continue pushing for an outcome which offers a stable, durable plan.’

A City of London Corporation spokesperson previously told the LDRS they are committed to ensuring quality childcare provision for City residents.

They said: “We will continue to work with residents to ensure that their childcare needs are regularly reviewed and met. To support City families experiencing economic or other significant disadvantage, the City Corporation will continue to provide a childcare accessibility scheme.”

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