Government 'Committed' To Sustaining Childcare Services

The Education Minister insists the government recognises the 'essential contribution' that childcare services make in Jersey - and is committed to doing all it can to sustain the industry once the Covid-19 restrictions are lifted.

It's after private nursery Rainbow Tots went into liquidation because of the pressures of coronavirus.

The owner of the Les Quennevais and Beaumont nurseries says she didn't think it was the right decision to take on what would have been a very big loan to survive, without being sure that it was possible to repay it.

Senator Tracey Vallois says she truly regrets that this decision had to be made - and assures islanders that families left without childcare will have options available to them.

"Following the news, I felt it important to offer some answers to the questions this has raised. 

"The Government recognises that the childcare industry makes an essential contribution to the community and economy in Jersey. It provides a much needed service for families and children and we are committed to doing all that we can to ensure that it remains able to sustain the services it provides once COVID 19 restrictions have been lifted.

"We have been in regular communication with this sector, through its membership organisation, the Jersey Early Years Association (JEYA), offering support and guidance about the options available for financial support and the business continuity measures that private nurseries are eligible for.

"Through the Childcare and Early Years’ Service and other Departmental staff, we are working closely with families affected and with other nursery providers to ensure that alternative childcare and nursery education options are available."

A new project board has also been established to review all the funding and fee issues linked to nurseries, schools and colleges. More information on that is due later this month.

"It was a hugely difficult decision to close schools and advise nurseries to do likewise due to the coronavirus crisis and I am extremely grateful to all those who work in the early years, schools, youth and wider education sectors for their tremendous efforts at this very difficult time.

"The issues that we are facing have never before been encountered, and all areas of society are being presented with unprecedented challenges. As ever, the health and well-being of the young people in our care and all our staff is our top priority." - Senator Tracey Vallois, Education Minister.

Anyone with concerns can contact the Childcare and Early Years team on 01534 449387 or email CEYS@gov.je