Corporation members agreed to continue subsidising the provision at The Aldgate School, with one parent saying he hopes the decision “helps protect and champion this model for the future”
Parents have hailed a “huge victory” after funding was secured enabling the Square Mile’s only state school to continue delivering its childcare service.
City of London Corporation members on Tuesday (September 8) agreed to maintain the subsidy for the provision at The Aldgate School following a two-year campaign contesting its potential closure.
The service, which covers children aged three months to three years, looked set to be discontinued under Corporation plans to change the way childcare was delivered in the Square Mile.
Since that initial decision in March 2024 parents and other stakeholders have fought to retain the provision at the school, citing benefits such as the outdoor space, the continuity for their children and the price point, with it being more affordable than other local providers.
Corporation officers had recommended a subsidy of up to £60,000 annually be agreed to keep the service running, with members on Tuesday voting in favour.
Wayne Daly, a parent involved in the campaign, said he hopes the decision “helps protect and champion this model for the future”.
The Aldgate School is in the east of the City in the Portsoken ward, by the border with Tower Hamlets. It is a one-form Church of England primary and has integrated childcare on site.
The school ran a children’s centre for more than 20 years, through which the zero to two (rising to three) service was delivered. The centre was decommissioned in 2025 as part of wider changes to local childcare agreed by Corporation members at the meeting the previous March.
The decision however drew a backlash, leading to the funding for the childcare provision being extended until August 2027.
Speaking at Tuesday’s meeting, Common Councillor David Williams, whose children attended the school, thanked the parents and wider community who had fought to maintain the provision.
Cllr Williams also noted The Aldgate School is not the only educational facility receiving a subsidy from the Corporation, with a number of private providers getting business rates relief “of varying degrees”.
“A huge part of the intangible benefit of this provision is it allows particularly nervous babies and nervous parents, and I think there are equal numbers of both, to progress from a baby room to a reception class in formal schooling in a way which is in one environment,” he said.
“They have one playground, they share friends, they share teachers, and that is just an incredible benefit to those children, to those families, but also to the school.”
Beverley Ryan, Chair of Governors at the school, told the meeting that without the Corporation subsidy the provision would close. She said: “We have explored all possibilities of alternative funding to the City providing a subsidy, and the simple answer is: it isn’t viable. It isn’t viable to offer affordable childcare without some sort of subsidy. The sums just didn’t add up.”
Members voted to extend the subsidy, which will be subject to an annual review, when put to a vote.
Mr Daly said: “This is a huge victory for City of London families and our community after two years of campaigning. The Aldgate School shows what’s possible when school-based childcare is properly supported, and we hope this decision helps protect and champion this model for the future.
“Most importantly, it means our children can stay at a childcare provision that they love. We thank the committee members for reaching this decision today.”
Ms Ryan also told the LDRS she is “delighted” at the decision, which would enable the service to continue to be delivered at the school.
Rachel Blake, MP for Cities of London and Westminster, said she was “happy” to hear the provision was saved, adding: “I have met with teachers, parents and carers and have seen first-hand the standard of care offered to children of those living and working in The City of London. Parents deserve the breathing space to support their own careers and to ensure they give their child the best start in life.”
Anna Lee, GMB Regional Organiser, said: “GMB is delighted that the Corporation has decided to support this vital community service.
“Two years of campaigning has paid off and the early years provision is now safe. This is a fantastic result for our members at the Child and Family Centre and for families in the City of London. It also shows the value of being part of a campaigning union.”
A City of London Corporation spokesperson said: “We know how important affordable childcare is to local families. We worked closely with the school and listened to the views of parents and the community before making a decision.
“Members took into account the fact the level of funding requested has significantly reduced and the school has explored alternative financial modelling options. We’re pleased the support we have now agreed will enable the school to continue providing a valued service for families.”
Square Mile parking charges
The Corporation’s decision follows another committee meeting held earlier in the day, at which members agreed to not impose Sunday parking charges following concerns from historic local churches.
Sites such as St Bride’s off Fleet Street had warned the proposed charges would impact their congregations. Amendments to charges the rest of the week were however agreed as the Corporation looks to make its rules fairer and more aligned with modern travel patterns.
A City of London Corporation spokesperson said: “After the first comprehensive review of the City’s parking controls since 2009, we believe this is a balanced package that supports residents, reflects how the Square Mile is used today, and helps create safer, greener and more accessible streets for everyone.
“We’d also like to express gratitude to the local residents, businesses and community groups for their constructive feedback throughout the consultation process.”
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