More children set to get free nursery hours

Parents in Jersey will be able to claim up to £6,270 a year towards childcare for toddlers under a new government funding scheme, the island’s Education Minister has confirmed.

The Childcare Funding Scheme will support families with children aged two to three and is expected to help around 700 households when it launches in January, according to Deputy Rob Ward.

Under the scheme, families will be required to pay childcare fees upfront before claiming the money back. A proposal to pay nurseries directly was rejected by the States Assembly last week.

Deputy Ward said reimbursements would be made in arrears, in up to three instalments, once families provide receipts from registered childcare providers. Funding of £4.5 million has been allocated for 2026, rising to £5.3 million in 2027.

He said the scheme was designed to improve access to early years education and tackle the high cost of childcare, which he described as the biggest concern for parents.

“This scheme gives every child the opportunity for the best possible start in life,” he said. “It is universal, with no income, employment or residency requirements, so all eligible families can benefit.”

Applications are due to open in February, with the first payments expected to be made by April 2026. Government officers will work with childcare providers to ensure the scheme is ready to launch in January.

Fiona Vacher, chief executive of the Jersey Child Care Trust, welcomed the announcement, saying the funding would ease pressure on families across the island.

“Lowering the cost of childcare allows parents to better balance work, education and family life, while children gain access to quality early years care,” she said.

Deputy Ward added that families receiving income support would be eligible for extra help, and that the Jersey Child Care Trust could assist those who are unable to pay childcare costs upfront.