MORE than a hundred parents, toddlers and nursery staff gathered in the Royal Square this morning to campaign for equality in nursery education.

The group handed Chief Minister Frank Walker a petition signed by more than 500 people – almost equating to one signature for every toddler in the Island not currently receiving free nursery education. Around 50 adults and 60 children met in the Square prior to today’s States sitting, in which Members will discuss Education Minister Mike Vibert’s business plan amendment to extend free nursery care to all three- and four-year-olds. Louise MacKenzie, who has been campaigning for equitable childcare for a number of years, gave Senator Walker the petition. She said that many more parents had wanted to protest this morning but were working. ‘We hope that the States will realise that this is a valuable investment, with a huge long-term impact,’ she said. ‘It is great that Senator Vibert has taken this proposition to the States, so coming here and showing our support is the least we can do.’