Yesterday it was revealed by the JEP that the parish’s care facility for young children, Sunny Smiles pre-school, is to close on 16 December because of financial problems and a lack of children registering.
Although registered to look after up to 25 children, Sunny Smiles currently only has 12 children on its books and the proprietor, Sue Medland, said Sunny Smiles has found it hard to attract youngsters since nurseries had opened up at La Moye and Mont Nicolle Schools The parish Deputy, who is chairman of Youth and Community Centre’s management committee, said he had already spoken to people who were able to offer advice.
‘I had a private meeting with a parishioner who has experience in child care provision at the centre so he could look at the facilities,’ said the Deputy.
Yesterday he also had a meeting on site with a representative from the Education department to look at the facilities and discuss potential options.
He said there has been a nursery school at the centre beside the parish hall for 20 years.
‘In my view, nursery or pre-school provision is essential for the community.
A nursery school should remain at the centre,’ he said.
