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Good afternoon,
I understand from the JEP that you are interested in hearing from members of the public regarding the proposals to cut subsidies for nursery education.
My family will be adversely affected by the proposals, and I would like to express the following views:
It is reported that the proposed changes would only affect up to 100 families a year. I'm not sure how this figure was calculated, but I think the number will be much higher.
The £75,000 cap is not appropriate. This is an average combined income for a working couple in Jersey. Why should those who work hard for a living and earn this amount be penalized? The proposals will result in some couples being financially better off if one of them quits their job. Shouldn't the government be encouraging people to stay at work?
The funding will apparently only be available for children attending States run nurseries. What will the affect be on private pre-schools? Why shouldn't parents be able to choose the nursery without these added financial considerations? Demand will increase for States run nurseries - is there even enough space?! And States run nurseries (in contrast to private pre-schools) only run during term time. So some couples will be better off if one of them quits their job (to provide childcare for the remainder of the year).
Insufficient notice has been given. Couples are making decisions regarding childcare and their finances before their child is even born. Parents put their child down on a waiting list as soon as possible after the birth date. Some mothers will leave work, with the intention of returning when their child is old enough to attend nursery. The proposals impact on all of these decisions. If changes are made, they should only be introduced Sep 2020, so that children already born are not affected (parents have already planned their finances and their child's education on the legitimate expectation of the nursery subsidies)
It appears that the full impact of these proposals has not been properly considered. It is sad that Ministers still make such significant decisions without any consultation with stakeholders and the public. The proposals are unfair and wrong in principle. It is another hit to the hard working middle class family.
Yours sincerely,