Parents using Jersey’s new childcare funding scheme may receive fewer than the government’s target of 15 hours of nursery care per week, after officials failed to reach an agreement with providers on hourly rates.

The scheme, which will begin next year, will allow parents of two- to three-year-olds to claim up to £6,270 per academic year for nursery care.

The figure is based on funding 15 hours per week during term time, but without a fixed hourly rate agreed with providers, the actual number of hours covered will vary between nurseries.

The Jersey Early Years Association said the lack of agreement means parents will have to shop around to see how much care their funding will buy.

Association chair Belinda Lewis explained: “It depends on each nursery how much time parents can buy with that money.” She said it was unclear how far the hours could differ from the government’s 15-hour target.

Education Minister Rob Ward confirmed last week that the scheme will begin on 1 January 2026. Payments will be made in arrears, in up to three instalments, once parents provide proof of payment to a registered nursery or childminder.

There are no income, employment or residency requirements, meaning all parents of eligible children can apply. Children must have turned three by 1 September 2025 to qualify for funding in 2026.

The scheme was approved during the government Budget debate earlier this month and is expected to benefit around 700 families, with up to £4.5 million allocated. Applications will open in February, with the first payments made in April 2026.

Although the Jersey Early Years Association did not reach an agreement with the government over the proposed hourly rate, Mrs Lewis said the organisation still welcomed the scheme in principle.

“We want what’s best for young children and working parents,” she said. “Nurseries will always support the idea of extra help for families.”

Deputy Inna Gardiner had proposed increasing the government’s hourly rate offer from £11 to £11.50 per child – which the Jersey Early Years Association said would have been an “acceptable compromise” – but the amendment was defeated.

Despite ongoing concerns about pay rates and staffing capacity raised by some providers, other childcare organisations and charities have backed the scheme.

Parents can find further details on the new Childcare Funding Scheme webpage.