Heads unite behind plan for free pre-school for all

The proposals will be debated by the States tomorrow and – if passed – it will allow all three- and four-year-olds to have 15 hours of free pre-schooling a week from 2016.

In an unusual step, the head teachers and principals from all the States primary schools, the two Roman Catholic primary schools, Alderney's St Anne's School and the three high schools, as well as special schools Le Murier and Les Voies, the Grammar School and Sixth Form Centre and the College of Further Education have written a joint letter to the Guernsey Press.

Currently, parents can struggle to meet the high costs of childcare, and the heads believe that it should be the entitlement of all children.

'We are passionate about giving every child the best start to their education through universal pre-school provision. Today's learners are tomorrow's world,' they wrote.

It is estimated the scheme will cost around £1.9m. a year.

Treasury, Policy Council and Social Security have all voiced concerns about the proposals.

Jersey offers 20 hours of free-pre-schooling a week, while the UK offers 15.

Pictured is director of education Alan Brown who said that the introduction of free pre-school places for all children would improve their educational chances.