ALL children aged between three and five years should get free childcare according to a parents action group.
Three private nurseries closed last year and the group say more are due to shut down because of a ‘discriminatory’ States policy.
They are to hold a public meeting to discuss the matter on 13 July at the Town Hall and the issue has already caught the attention of States Members.
St Helier Deputy Jennifer Bridge raised concerns that children aged between 0-3 had received no mention in the States Strategic Policy on Wednesday and St Saviour Deputy Roy Le Hérissier now plans to ask Senator Mike Vibert, president of the Education, Sport and Culture Committee, what impact the provision by the committee of early nursery education is having upon other childcare provision.
In the States on Tuesday he will ask: ‘What policies are in place to ensure that the total availability of such provision is not seriously jeopardised?’ Free facilities for three to five-year-olds are currently provided at nursery classes attached to States schools.
But they are only open during term time from 9 am to 3 pm and the impact of this upon private nurseries has become a cause for concern for the parents’ action group.
Article posted on 2nd July, 2004 - 12.00am
Most Commented: