Many of the nurseries, co-ops, children’s centres, crèche and playgroups featured on this map have now closed or changed beyond recognition. Remaining public, workplace and community nurseries are at risk across London – Hackney’s council-run nurseries, Queen Mary University and Kings College Hospital NHS workplace nurseries are threatened with closure, and staff at Wandsworth Nursery Schools have recently been on strike over cuts that will reduce accessibility to children with different support needs.
Hidden from view across London is the ongoing exploitation of childcare workers – often parents themselves– who on average earn less than minimum wage. Even ‘charitable’ non-profit nursery chains rely on underpaid apprentices, and the hostile environment sees migrant nannies and au pairs subject to the worst exploitation. Families in poverty in London spend 16% of their income on childcare. Just 6% of nurseries report 'sufficient childcare for children with disabilities' (Coram, March 2024).
Q: My nursery is under threat – can you help?
Yes – contact Post Pandemic Childcare coalition! Email us. We have a network of activists with experience of successful campaigns to stop closures. Check out our resources and this article on how to save your (council-run) nursery.
Q: How can I help?
A: Join Post Pandemic Childcare coalition!
Our network connects local campaigns across the country, we bring motions to our unions, join demonstrations, draft press releases, and attend protests.
We are building a grassroots coalition – gathering local union branches and parents campaigns against closures – to fight for a more democratic childcare and early years support system – accessible for all.
To build a national campaign for public childcare needs all kinds of support – whether you want to just be on hand to boost social media, share your experiences and solidarity, or want to set up a local chapter in your area!
There is a list of easy actions here, and if you haven’t already you should also join your union.
Join our mailing list, or better still email us with your number, location, and, if you like, your reason for interest.