Families to be given help to pay for nursery places

Tue, 27 Mar 2012

Families will be given money towards the cost of nursery places when government pre-schools close this summer.

The Department of Education and Children says it will be giving all parents with eligible chilren a £350 credit.

Those whose children would be entitled to free school meals will get a further £850 credit.

The funds will be available to mums and dads in all parts of the Island, not just those who live near a current DEC pre-school.

The scheme will cost around £400,000 per year, compared to £1.7m which is currently spent by the DEC on pre-schools.

Private and voluntary organisations will be given the opportunity to let Department facilities after they close.

Chief Executive of the Department Stuart Dobson admits the funding won't be enough for everyone.[play media file below]