A Childcare Social Enterprise: The London Early Years Foundation (LEYF) Model

Abstract

This chapter explores the work of London Early Years Foundation, the largest childcare social enterprise in the UK and how it is led with its social purpose at the heart. It recounts the rationale for developing the model which is framed within the three pillars of sustainability the first of which ensure nursery places are provided to children from disadvantaged background using a cross-subsidy fee business model. The importance of a social pedagogy is highlighted to ensure the organisation delivers its social purpose at every level of delivery and do so to build cultural and social capital.