Fight against nursery cuts continues with meeting tonight

Thursday 05 May 2016

A public meeting will be held at the Town Hall tonight hosted by Reform Jersey to discuss a proposed cut in free nursery places.

The Education department has announced the cut, saying it cannot afford to fund the current scheme, which provides free nursery care for three and four years olds.

The cuts will affect those households where combined earnings total more than £75,000 and the proposals, which are due to take place in September 2017, will save the States a total of £250,000 per year.

The Education department says around 75 to 100 families will be affected.

Education Minister Rod Bryans said that the universal benefit could no longer be justified as the States cut spending to meet a £145 million deficit.

But Deputy Montfort Tadier, of political party Reform Jersey, says the cuts should be opposed and has organised a public meeting to discuss nursery funding.

He said: “We invite members of the public to attend to hear Reform Jersey's thought on the matter and discuss alternatives to the cuts, which we believe have not been thought through and may ultimately have a divisive effect on family life.” 

Children from families with incomes of less than £75,000 will continue to receive the free nursery places when the proposed changes take effect next year.