POLICE have to use common sense when looking at whether leaving young children with under-16s could be an offence, according to Inspector Geoff Chapman.

THE committee that represents all pre-schools and nurseries in the island has said that affordable childcare is vital for the Guernsey economy.

EXERCISING will become a luxury for parents who rely on the creche at Beau Sejour, it has been claimed.

PUBLICATION this week of a 135-page study of childcare needs showed what most islanders already knew: there is a chronic shortage of affordable help to look after youngsters and that the States should be doing far more to help.

EDUCATION’S deputy minister is hoping that the department can come up with plans to provide a States-run childcare programme before April 2012.

ONE of the peripheral – but significant – issues to come out of the Health and Social Services £1m. childcare incident is the respective role and responsibility of the minister and chief officer of a department.

CHILDCARE costs in Guernsey can be double the UK average - and 50% higher than in central London.

THE Children Board wants to tighten up rules governing day care and private fostering as part of its legislation review.