Changes to Operating Hours

Starting in august 2026,⁣ after-school reception facilities will operate from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. This⁣ represents a shift from the current hours‌ of‌ 6:45 a.m.to 6:45 p.m. According to Nicole Baur, the municipal councilor leading⁢ the Family Dicastery, these changes will directly affect around fifty children.

Expansion⁤ of Childcare⁢ Capacity

To address existing​ demand,the Municipality plans to create 64 new childcare‍ places,especially in Corcelles-Cormondrèche and Peseux. Councilor Baur stated ​that current capacity in these areas⁣ is ⁣insufficient to meet the needs of local⁢ families. This expansion is expected to benefit approximately one hundred​ families overall.

Budgetary implications

Nicole Baur emphasized that the changes represent a reallocation ⁣of resources, not a cost-cutting ⁣measure. The ‍2026 municipal budget includes an additional⁤ two million⁤ Swiss francs allocated⁢ to extra-family care, compared⁣ to the 2025 budget. Parents ⁢will receive detailed data about the changes during January 2026.

Legislative Discussion and Concerns

The‍ proposed‍ changes faced limited debate within the legislature.Socialist elected official Philippe Loup raised concerns about ‍the potential impact ⁤on specific groups of parents, including single-parent families, commuters, and those working in essential‍ services like healthcare, security,⁢ and emergency response. Loup highlighted that many⁢ professions require extended working hours, possibly creating challenges for parents‌ relying on‍ after-school care.

Loup also requested that the Municipal Council monitor the effects of the ​changes to determine whether ⁢adjustments are needed in 2027.

Closure of downtown⁣ Neuchâtel Daycare

In a separate development,the daycare center located in downtown Neuchâtel will cease operations next year.This⁢ facility currently provides a ​convenient option for parents to briefly ⁢leave their children while ⁢running​ errands or attending appointments.