Charity Steps In to Cover Upfront Childcare Costs

A local charity has announced it will step in to support parents struggling to cover upfront costs under Jersey’s new government childcare scheme.

The Childcare Funding Scheme, which launches this month, allows parents of two- and three-year-olds to reclaim up to £6,270 a year for up to 15 hours of childcare per week. However, families must initially pay providers themselves before claiming the money back.

Plans to amend the scheme so that payments would go directly to nurseries were rejected, raising concerns that some households would be unable to afford the advance costs.

In response, the Jersey Child Care Trust said it would offer upfront payments to eligible families who need help accessing the funding.

Fiona Vacher, from the trust, said early years support was vital for children’s long-term development and well worth the investment.

She said research showed that a significant proportion of brain development happens before the age of three, and that high-quality early childcare alongside a stable home environment can have lasting benefits.

“Giving children positive early learning experiences is good for their development and for the future of our island,” she said.

The government confirmed that its online application process will open in February and that families who can afford to pay upfront should receive their reimbursement within four weeks.