Jersey childcare reminder for parents

Jersey parents are being reminded of their rights in National Childcare Week.

In 2009 the island started a scheme which offers 20 hours of free care each week for three and four-year-olds.

Jersey Child Care Trust said the free care meant parents could choose what options best suited them.

The States-funded places are open to children who are aged three before 31 August, until they start school.

The trust's executive director, Fiona Vacher, said: "Seventy eight per cent of women in Jersey are working, so high quality and widely available childcare in the island is imperative.

"The decision by the States has been a sea change in the way childcare is offered in Jersey.

"We want to use National Childcare Week to highlight this and to remind parents of their options."