A nursery at Springfield Stadium is to close at the end of October following ongoing staffing problems – but affected families will be offered places at its sister nurseries.
Leeward Busy Bees Nursery told parents at short notice that it would cease operations, having already closed its toddler and pre-school rooms last year because of recruitment challenges and wider issues facing the sector. Its baby room had remained open.
Education Minister Catherine Curtis told Express that affected children would be offered spaces at Busy Bees’ other locations at La Providence and Castle Quay.
She said the Childcare and Early Years Service was liaising with the nursery’s owners to minimise the impact of the closure.
“A nursery closing is always worrying for parents and staff members, and my immediate thoughts are with those affected,” said Deputy Curtis.
“While the closure of an individual nursery is always difficult, I would like to reassure parents that overall the number of childcare spaces across Jersey is growing.”
The minister said plans for a new nursery were being developed and that more childminders were seeking registration.
She also highlighted the government’s funding scheme for two-to-three-year-olds, through which parents can apply for up to £6,445 towards childcare with a registered private nursery, registered childminder or accredited nanny.
Addressing regulation of the sector, Deputy Curtis said: “We are already working to review childcare regulation to make sure it is proportionate and appropriate. But I do want to stress that regulation is important when it comes to nurseries.
“Parents need to know that their children are in a safe environment with properly qualified and experienced staff.”
