The provision of a nursery unit at St Peters Primary School

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WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR EDUCATION, SPORT AND CULTURE

BY THE CONNETABLE OF ST. HELIER

ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON TUESDAY 25th APRIL 2006

Question

Would the Minister inform members –

1. of the date whenthedecisionwastaken to build a nursery unit as part of the rebuilding ofStPeter's Primary School?,
2. supply the capital andrevenuecosts for the nurseryunit?
3. whether discussionswere held with the Parish over the feasibility ofusing existing premises in the area to avoid the expense ofnew build?
4. whether he took into account the impactof the new free States nursery on private sector nurseries in the West of the Island?

Answer

1. The decision to build a nursery classaspartof St. Peter's Primary Schoolwas taken bytheformer Education Committee in 1999when it madeanunsuccessful bid for its inclusion in the States Capital Programme. A further bid was agreed by the Committee in December 2002 and, early in 2003 this schemewasincludedinthe States Capital programme.

In O  ctober 2005, the Committee agreed a feasibility study for the scheme and in February 2006

the Minister approved the submission to a detailed planning application.

2. The cost of the nursery class will be £225,000.Theannualrevenue cost will be £90,000.
3. Discussions have nottakenplace with the Parish over the feasibility of usingexisting premises in the area because the intention is to provide a nursery class foreducationalreasons; to prepare three and four year olds for starting school.
4. The policy to continue building nursery classes to provide young children with aneducational experience was approved by the States in1996.Theseclassesoffer a term-time only experience during school hours. It is anticipated that manyworking parents will continue to need theyear round, all day childcare provision offered bythe private sector.