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2025.03.18
4.9 Deputy L.K.F. Stephenson of St. Mary, St. Ouen and St. Peter of the Minister for Infrastructure regarding the permanent closure of the crèche at Les Quennevais Sports Centre (OQ.61/2025):
Will the Minister explain the reasons for the permanent closure of the crèche at Les Quennevais Sports Centre and what consideration, if any, has been given to its reopening to encourage and facilitate exercise for parents and carers in line with Government commitments to increase physical activity levels and support mental well-being?
Connétable A.N. Jehan of St. John (The Minister for Infrastructure):
Can I start by welcoming the Deputy back to the Chamber? [Approbation] It is great to see her face to face but, judging from my inbox, I know she has kept herself busy. Les Quennevais Sports Centre operated a crèche from 1996 until March 2020 offering limited sessions. The crèche saw reduction in uptake from 2018 and its closure was finalised during the COVID pandemic. At the time of its closure, the crèche was making significant losses and there were also persistent challenges with staffing shortages. There are no current plans for us to reopen the crèche due to the lack of budget and space. However, we understand and hope that the nursery at Les Quennevais will reopen soon, and I am told there is potential for crèche facilities to be part of that service. I have asked officers to explore this opportunity with the operator.
4.9.1 Deputy L.K.F. Stephenson :
I thank the Minister for his comments at the beginning. I think they were kind ones; they were. I appreciate the answer as well. The Minister is probably aware that a petition has been launched calling for the reopening of the crèche at Les Quennevais. Will he agree to meet with the petitioner to discuss the matter further and keep an open mind about potential ideas that she and others have for what could be possible?
The Connétable of St. John :
I am more than happy to meet with the petitioner and others to discuss the crèche, and can I take this opportunity to thank the team at Les Quennevais? They are just about to head into their busiest weekend of the year with the Swim Marathon and I think they do a great job, and I take this opportunity to thank them. [Approbation]