Nursery education funding petition set up

Tuesday 27 September 2016

A petition set up to ensure a “level playing field” for nursery education funding has already been backed by nearly 3,000 Islanders.

In the Ministers' financial plans for the next three years, which are being debated this week, they are trying to reduce the subsidy provided for nursery education, by means-testing parents putting their children into private sector nurseries.

But Deputy John Le Fondre is trying to amend the plan to ensure that the parents of all children who apply for grants are means-tested, whether they are in the public or state sector, rather than just the private sector. 

Deputy Le Fondre says his amendment will ensure a “level playing field’ for all those who apply for grant aid for their children’s nursery fees. 

The petition calls for all States members to vote in favour of Deputy Le Fondre’s amendment. 

It reads: “As a tax payer and parishioner, I ask, that in the best interest of children and their families, you vote in favour of Deputy John Le Fondre's amendment to means test ALL parents, including those in nursery classes. 

“The present proposal intends to means test only private sector parents which is unfair and discriminatory.

“It is only fair and equitable that parents are treated the same when accessing pre-school education and the Nursery Education Fund."

If you wish to sign the petition, go here