The affordability of childcare in Jersey was rated as “very poor” or “fairly poor” by 95% of parents, according to a £20,000 external report – which urged the government to build a stronger early years workforce to address the shortage of staff across the sector.

The report, which was authored by Isos Partnership, was published this morning. It is based on the views of almost 1,300 parents and carers in Jersey, which were collected in June.

“Difficult choices” for parents

Respondents reported high monthly costs, often around £2,000 per child for full-time nursery, with some saying that their whole monthly salary goes towards childcare.

The report said: “This can lead to difficult choices as to whether it makes more economic sense to go out to work and pay for childcare, or stay at home and provide childcare.

“Parents who had built rewarding careers told us how they had reduced their working hours or stopped work entirely, often with negative consequences for their mental health, because their salary would not cover their childcare costs.

“Some parents described how the cost of childcare was a major deterrent to having more children.”

Parents described feeling like they are “clinging on” until the September when their child becomes eligible for the hours funded under the Nursery Education Fund.

The fund currently entitles islanders to 30 funded hours per week for 38 weeks a year for children in their pre-school year (the year they turn four).

In the government’s Budget, due to be debated before the end of this year, Education Minister Rob Ward has proposed investing almost £4m to offer 15 hours of funded childcare per week for two- to three-year-olds during term-time.

“Limited or inflexible hours”

Almost 80% of the parents surveyed by Isos Partnership said that there are not enough childcare places in Jersey, with many providers offering “limited or inflexible hours”.

“This scarcity means parents often have to join nursery waiting lists far in advance, sometimes even while pregnant,” the report said.

The three key barriers parents face in being able to access childcare in Jersey are affordability, availability and flexibility.

The cost of childcare was cited as a “significant factor” in families deciding to have fewer children than they would like, or even considering leaving the island altogether.

The report quoted one parent, who said: “Something needs to change or we will continue to see a rapid decline in the birth rate and young people will continue to leave the island.”

Parents also emphasised the lack of employer discretion and understanding around juggling childcare with employment, the report said.

“Critical shortage” of specialists

The researchers from Isos Partnership identified nine key areas the government should consider to strengthen Jersey’s childcare system.

These included building a stronger early years workforce to address the shortage of staff across the sector, expanding childcare capacity, and extending the current funded early years learning offer.

The report also recommended that the government should “urgently” develop a strategy to address the “critical shortage” of specialists in the island, including educational psychologists, speech and language therapists and occupational therapists.

“This could involve direct funding for degrees and apprenticeships, and attracting professionals from outside Jersey by making it easier to get work permits,” the report said.

Cost of childcare is a “real barrier”

Following the report’s publication, Education Minister Rob Ward said: “Evidence is clear that the cost of childcare is a real barrier for families.

“We are committed to exploring ways to make childcare more affordable and accessible for all families. This is why I have worked hard to propose, in Budget 2026, up to 15 free hours per week, term-time, of funded childcare for two- to three-year-olds to give every child the best start.

“As Minister, this is something I care deeply about. I have listened to parents and carers across Jersey, and I recognise the challenges they face.

“This report will help us shape a system that is more affordable and accessible for all families and gives every child the best start in life.”

The research was commissioned to inform the Government of Jersey’s Early Years Common Strategic Policy (2024–2026).

The full report is available online.