More Free Nursery Hours No Cure for ‘Broken’ System

Campaigner: Extra Free Nursery Hours Won’t Fix Jersey’s ‘Broken’ Childcare System

A family campaigner has described Jersey’s childcare system as “broken” after the government announced plans to provide 15 hours of free nursery care per week for two-year-olds.

Education Minister Deputy Rob Ward said he would bring the proposal forward in September as part of the 2026–2029 government plan, due for debate in the States in November.

Currently, families can access up to 30 funded hours per week for children aged three to four, available for 38 weeks of the year during school term time.

‘Not Enough to Help Struggling Families’

Recruiter and family campaigner Denise Heavey welcomed the move but said it fell far short of what families needed. She argued that soaring living costs, rigid working hours, and high nursery fees had left many parents struggling to cope—some working two jobs or relying on food banks.

“The choice to look after children at home has been taken away because Jersey is so expensive,” she said. “From when parents return to work after maternity leave, there should be some kind of funding so they don’t face extortionate nursery costs. A complete overhaul of the childcare sector should be the government’s first priority.”

While praising the quality of care provided by nurseries, Ms Heavey said they needed more funding and greater support.

Sector Under Pressure

Deputy Ward acknowledged the sector’s importance, citing the funding increase as evidence of the government’s commitment. He said childcare challenges required a joint approach, shaped by wider issues such as the cost of living, falling birth rates, and the growing number of children with complex needs.

Fiona Vacher, executive director of the early years charity Jersey Child Care Trust, said nurseries faced significant staffing shortages. “Since Covid, we’ve seen a number of people retire or leave the sector to re-evaluate their careers,” she said. She stressed that 80% of a child’s brain development happens before the age of three, making early education critical.

Impact on Nurseries and Families

Staffing problems have already forced Acrewood Nursery to cut its closing time from 18:00 to 16:30. Manager Kirsty Haslehurst said the long hours, high responsibility, and lower pay compared to office jobs made recruitment difficult. “Other nurseries in Jersey have faced similar problems,” she added.

For parents, the reduced hours can mean tough choices. Mother Gemma Parlett, who recently returned to work while placing her 10-month-old daughter at Acrewood, said the shorter opening times meant she had to reduce her own working hours.

“That has a financial implication for us—it’s a lot of juggling,” she said. “Early years education is crucial for the next generation, and there should be more support to ensure children are well looked after and nurtured.”