crop.jpg)
The minister for education and children says the decision to close the Island's pre-school units was the only way to avoid more damaging cuts elsewhere.
Peter karran says he agreed to end government-funded nursery education to prevent 'savage inroads' in primary and secondary provision.
He says with only around half the Island's pre-schoolers served in what had become a 'postcode lottery', future plans to provide funding so parents can buy their children places in the private sector may prove a fair solution.
Mr Karran says in the current tough economic climate hard choices are inevitable:
Fifth driest November on record
Section of Colby Glen closed following landslide
Demolition looms for former Salvation Army Citadel
Adverse weather puts sailings 'at risk'
