CHILDCARE costs in Guernsey can be double the UK average - and 50% higher than in central London. So parents should shop around, says Sunshine Nursery and Preschool owner Rachael Hockey.
The average UK cost of childcare for under-twos is £152 per week - more than £7,900 a year - a 6% rise on last year.
In central London, the weekly cost is £205, but in Guernsey prices can reach £300.
Mrs Hockey said childcare prices here were relative to the cost of living, but varied greatly.
‘There are different prices around the island.
‘As a single working mum I knew how difficult it was to find good affordable childcare so I try to keep my prices as low as possible because I realise it’s a struggle.
‘It is very difficult to ask people to pay such high prices.’
She said costs also varied according to whether the facility charged by the day or the hour.
‘If they charge by the hour, the price tends to rise quite a lot.
‘I charge £200 a week for full-time childcare for under-twos and I am forced to charge that because of high overhead costs.
‘Qualified childcare staff are paid on average an extra £3,000 to £4,000 a year compared to their UK counterparts and accommodation in Guernsey is very expensive.’
Health minister Peter Roffey, who is also chairman of the social policy steering group, said it was aware childcare costs were comparatively higher than in the UK.
‘These high costs make a particular impact on parents with low-income jobs, preventing them from returning to work,’ he said.
‘Guernsey’s economy needs to grow and to do that it needs an available workforce, which means it is worthwhile doing something about the high costs in childcare.’
He added that the newly appointed social policies coordinator, who takes up her post in September, would be charged with the task of examining a system of assistance for childcare costs in low-income families.
‘I’m not accusing any of the owners of childcare facilities of profiteering because we know they have comparatively high wage and accommodation costs.’
He said the issue was not one that would be solved easily, especially in the current difficult financial climate.
Article posted on 22nd May, 2007 - 12.00am
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