Parent requests could force Havering schools to provide extra childcare

Parent power could see schools providing childcare for the whole working day and holidays if enough families request it.

Nicky Morgan, the government’s education secretary, announced the proposals during her speech at the Conservative party conference on Tuesday.

Highlighting that the interests of children and parents must be championed, the MP said families had a right to also request childcare for before and after school.

She said: “If enough parents call for childcare at their local school, we will expect the school to take reasonable steps to accommodate it, in a way that works for them.”

There are concerns that while some schools may be able to offer the provision others with stretched resources may not.

Russell Hobby, general secretary for the National Association of Head Teachers, said: “Parents can ask but the government must guarantee that a school’s decision is respected.

“Otherwise, it is merely going to provoke conflict between schools and their communities and would undermine the decision-making of head teachers.”

What do you think about the proposals? Share your views by emailing ann-marie.abbasah@archant.co.uk or calling 0208 477 3892.