Should you move to London as a newly single parent? What are the benefits of moving to the big city? We explore these questions in this article…

Being a single Parent can be challenging at the best of times. Perhaps you’ve been going it solo since the beginning, or you’ve been through a divorce recently? Either way, maybe now could be the time to try something new?

Moving to London can offer a single parent a lot. For starters, there are plenty of family solicitors in London who can help you navigate through this difficult time. What’s more, there’s plenty more where that came from, including fun, budget-friendly activities to do with your children, alongside a host of job availabilities.

Whatever your situation, moving to the UK’s capital might be exactly what you are looking for. Here are five advantages of raising children in London as a newly single parent…

1.   Fun activities to keep your children entertained

Your children will never be bored in London. There are so many child-friendly activities in the city that it is impossible to list them all. Whether you have a big or small budget, there is something for everyone, from museums and sports to cinemas and zoos. 

If you are looking for something low budget, there are plenty of things you and your children can do for free around London. Have a look at these four examples of free kid friendly activities in London:

Museums and art galleries

Visit some of the many museums and art galleries located around the city. There is free entrance for all, and you can visit places like:

• Natural History Museum
• Ragged School Museum 
• Science Museum
• National Maritime Museum 
• National Gallery
• Tate Modern
• Serpentine Gallery

London Parks

Despite being a city, London has a whole host of amazing parks your children can enjoy, consider visiting:

• Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
• Crystal Palace Park 
• Coram’s Fields

Meet some animals

You don’t expect to see many animals in the city, but places like Mudchut Farm and Park, Vauxhall City Farm and Deen City Farm, and Riding School allow children to see a host of farm animals for free. Of course, if you are okay with spending a little money, you could always visit some of the cities Zoos or Aquariums too.

Visit some famous London landmarks

Going sightseeing with your children can be a great way to get a feel for your new home. You could visit Covent Garden and watch the street entertainers, go and see the changing of the guards outside Buckingham Palace, or even watch Tower Bridge open.

There is so much fun to be had in London for a child and, after a divorce or separation, it can be very important to spend some quality time nurturing your children’s creativity and curiosity.

2.   Many travel links

With the Tubes, buses, local trains, cycle hire, riverboat services, Taxis, and apps like Uber, there are plenty of travel options available in London. The multitude of transport options provides single parents with many benefits:

• Easy transport links to visit other parents or carers.
• Older children can have more independence. 
• With a fare-paying adult, children under 11 travel free on many types of London transport, and children between 11 and 16 have a reduced rate.
• You don’t need to rely on a car.
• It’s easy to get around the city to jobs, shops, schools, or fun day outs. 
• Cycle schemes provide children with a healthy and fun alternative to other forms of travel.

3.   Job availability

London is a hub for economics, culture, politics, business, technology, and everything else imaginable. For many, it’s the best place to be in terms of a career. All the biggest businesses are present within the city, with huge employment opportunities in every field, making London the perfect place to be for anyone looking to get a job.

If you want to be self-employed don’t worry. London is a great place for self-starters, with a wide range of support available from government incentives and dedicated companies. Have a look at the following examples of free support available for the self-employed in London:

• Entrepreneurial Spark
• Enterprising Women
• Flying Start
• The National Enterprise Network
• Association of Disabled Professionals 

Another benefit of working in London is the increased salary. People working in London generally get a much higher salary than the rest of the country, with the average person in the UK earning £38,131 and the average salary in London being around £40,000.

Further advantages include the benefits you receive as a single parent. The benefit cap in London is larger to reflect prices within the city. A single parent living with children in London may be able to claim as much as £23,000 a year.

4.   School and education

London’s nurseries, primary schools, high schools, and Universities are all top notch, meaning that there is a great opportunity for education within the city. 94 percent of the schools in London have been rated outstanding by Ofsted, and regularly have some of the highest GCSE marks in the country. 

There are a wide range of public and private schools available, so you can choose the school that fits your child best. London has even been called an educational superpower due to the high success rates of its pupils after they leave school.

5.   Child Care

In more rural areas, childcare can be difficult to find. But, in a bustling city like London, you have access to a huge variety of childcare options. These may include: 

• Nursery
• Playgroups
• Pre-school
• Au-pairs
• Nanny
• Day nurseries
• Childminders

Some of these options may be more suited to you than others depending on your budget and work schedule. However, within London, you will always be able to find something to suit your needs.

Should You Raise Children in London as a Newly Single Parent?

Overall, there are many benefits to raising a child in London as a newly single parent. It can be an exciting opportunity to start fresh, have some fun, and give your child a top-quality education in the UK’s bustling capital. Do you think London might be your next step?

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