Would a childcare loan system work? The Social Market Foundation is launching its proposal for a new national childcare contribution scheme suggesting a new model in which the Government would help parents smooth the cost of childcare over their lifetimes. Nicola Stanbridge went to meet mums at a childcare centre in South London. Ian Mulheirn, co-author of the report, says the system would create a "virtuous circle" offering more choice and flexibility for parents wanting to return to work.