Jersey Sport to stop free toddler play sessions

David Kennedy said the decision had not been taken lightly

Jersey Sport will stop providing free play sessions for toddlers from the end of 2024, the organisation has confirmed.

The sessions are "designed to provide fun, active play opportunities for families, encouraging the benefits of moving more through play."

The Move More sessions are aimed at crawling babies to those aged three, and are currently available at venues around the island on weekdays.

Chief executive David Kennedy said the decision to stop providing the sessions had not been made lightly.

Jersey Sport is an arms-length organisation which receives funding from the Government of Jersey.

He said that the toddler play sessions did not align with the organisation's aims of supporting Jersey's sporting community.

Mr Kennedy said the decision had been made in light of a critical report which in November 2023 referred to an "imbalance between sport and physical activity" in Jersey's Sport's strategy, and "confusion" about the organisation's targets.

He said Move More toddler staff will cease to be employed by Jersey Sport from 2025.

Mr Kennedy said he was hopeful another organisation or charity would take responsibility for the toddler play sessions, the equipment, and for employing the staff members.

Jersey Sport is an arms-length organisation which receives funding from the Government of Jersey.

According to its website, its role is to "advocate for sport and physical activity by promoting and developing opportunities for islanders to play sport and adopt active lifestyles."