Today I joined Sandra Litchmore, the nursery's managing director, Cathy Loxton, Principal of Harris Academy, Bishop Grandison as well as mums and dads to mark the official opening of the Epharaim Early Years Nursery in Peckham.

Most mothers in Camberwell and Peckham work as well as care for their children. As many don't have relatives living nearby who can help, high quality, affordable childcare with flexible hours is really important. The work Sandra and others have put into starting the Ephraim Nursery School means more childcare is available for children in the area. 

Many people in Camberwell and Peckham used to complain about not being able to get childcare. Thanks to the huge investment in children's services the Labour Government put in, childcare places in Southwark have increased from 7,446 in 2003 to 10,794 in 2009.