Charlotte Riley says Wonderworks nursery is vital for families in film

Wonderworks nursery near to Warner Bros Studios in Leavesden was co-founded a year ago – and the mum-of-two says that it was “all kinds of wrong” that women in the industry had to choose between advancing their careers or a child.

Riley, who is married to actor Tom Hardy, told The Times that it is a “privilege” to not have to rely on childcare for ten hours a day – as many people cannot afford to not be working and put aside their career duties.

The actress said she hasn't been forced to turn down jobs because she could afford to hire a nanny 'because my partner's working' – but notes that others in the industry are often not as fortunate.

Wonderworks nursery near to Warner Bros Studios in Leavesden

In fact she quoted a recent survey by Raising Films, an organisation defending the rights of parents in film, that found 79 per cent of people in the film industry were negatively affected by becoming parents.

Talking about how the industry is calling for more women to write and direct films, she said: “It’s all good and well doing that and putting millions into finding these people when they’re coming out of school and getting them into apprenticeships.

“What’s the f***ing point if they don’t keep them when they’re in their thirties?”

Recalling her time in the tv-series Dark Heart in 2016, she said that there were so many women who “worked their backsides off”, and many feared “if I want to be a mum, it’s just not going to work”.

The actress said the nursery – which welcomes 30 full-time children and ten part-time - is important for those in the industry who aren't commanding huge salaries, who have to work to short contracts and move between studio and location shoots.

She said Mr Hardy has been "really supportive" of the nursery, and understands how "vital" it is.

Wonderworks is being continuously supported by Warner Bros Studios and much of the furniture is made up of old film props.

The actress said she is starting a campaign that by 2024 all productions have a line in their budget for childcare.

In an open letter to studios and production companies, Wonderworks wrote: “Without flexible and accessible childcare, equality and inclusion within the film and TV industry cannot be achieved.

“We are calling on industry leaders to not only acknowledge that a lack of high-quality, flexible childcare is creating a barrier, but that action needs to be taken by industry decision makers to bring about change.

“We are asking industry leaders to make on-set childcare solutions a priority; be they full nursery spaces for major productions, or assistance with childcare provisions for smaller productions.”

To sign the open letter, visit here.