Fewer nursery places available on Island

Thu, 01 Dec 2016

The number of nursery places available on the Island has fallen by more than 100 this year.

Health and Social Care Minister Kate Beecroft revealed there are currently 1592 spots at nurseries - 122 fewer than during the 2015-16 period.

More places have been made available for the youngest children, with 20 extra spaces for those under two years of age, but just 48 places are available for those aged three to four, compared with 100 last year.

Despite fewer available child care places, Mrs Beecroft insists she isn't aware of parents struggling to find an available nursery for their children.

The Minister also revealed that her Department cannot create extra openings as it only acts as a regulator to private sector operators.