The first baby-friendly co-working space in London is set to open in Farringdon.

Islington Gazette: The planning application for an office space for working parents iincludes on-site spaces for childcare.The planning application for an office space for working parents iincludes on-site spaces for childcare. (Image: Archant)

Islington Council has granted planning permission for Cuckooz Nest to open in Ray Street this spring with 36 workstations and care for 21 children in an office that includes provision for nappy changing and dressing-up for little ones under the age of two.

Billed as “the first of its kind”, the scheme – given the green light on Tuesday evening – was founded by Islington entrepreneur Charlie Rosier and best friend Fabienne O’Neill and touted as a solution for working parents struggling to cover childcare costs.

The childcare arm of the office is being designed to feel like an extension of the home, with a “snug” story corner, sleeping room and interactive craft wall.

Charlie, who is also co-founder of apartment business Cuckooz, lives in Islington with her husband and had her first child a year ago.

“As a working mum, I know first-hand the challenges of childcare,” she said. “Having launched Cuckooz the summer before, I needed to come back to work after six weeks and it was hard to find a suitable solution that was flexible and affordable, especially at such a young age.

“Cuckooz Nest seeks to respond to this need. With UK childcare currently equating to roughly a third of the average household income, the cost of childcare has become a major issue and is keeping parents out of work.”

Cuckooz Nest will charge £20 per hour on a “pay as you go” basis, giving parents access to both the office and creche with 24 hours’ notice. There will also be concessions for people living in Islington.

Co-founder Fabienne added: “An emerging trend of self-employed workers, freelancers and entrepreneurs has translated into a worldwide explosion of co-working space, but one untapped area of this gig economy is working parents, particularly female entrepreneurs and business owners.

“However, Cuckooz Nest is not just for mums – we are an inclusive workspace allowing working parents to strike the right work and life balance without compromising one for another.”

The office will run between 8am and 6pm in the week. Classes will be hosted out of hours for members to learn about topics including childcare and nutrition.