Government proposals to fund an additional 15 free hours per week of childcare for two- to three-year-olds “do not go far enough”, backbench politicians have said.

It comes after a new report published yesterday found that 95% of Jersey parents rated the affordability of childcare as “very poor” or “fairly poor”.

The external review, entitled ‘Parents’ and carers’ views on early childhood education and care in Jersey‘, was commissioned by government at a cost of over £20,000.

Islanders reported paying around £2,000 per child each month for full-time nursery places, with some saying their entire salary is swallowed by childcare costs.

The report warned that this is forcing parents into “difficult choices” – including reducing hours, giving up work entirely, or deciding against having more children – and highlights affordability, availability, and flexibility as the three biggest barriers to childcare access.

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.

This 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).

Cost of childcare is a “real barrier”

In response to the study, Education Minister Rob Ward acknowledged that the cost of childcare is a “real barrier” for families.

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

But backbench politicians have said that these plans “do not go far enough”.

Former Children and Education Minister, Deputy Inna Gardiner said the latest report “reflects exactly what I hear from parents across Jersey”.

She said: “Fees are so high that many are questioning whether they can afford to stay in work. It’s no wonder many say they can’t afford to have more children.

“This is not just a private family problem. When childcare costs swallow an entire salary, it is usually mothers who step back from work.

“That reduces household income, entrenches inequality, and weakens Jersey’s already stretched workforce. This is a huge problem for families and for Jersey’s future.”

Nurseries are “struggling to survive”

Deputy Gardiner said that the report’s recommendations “make sense”, but only work if they government works with private nurseries and childminders.

“They provide most of the childcare places, and right now they are struggling to survive,” she explained.

“Funding 15 hours a week for two- to three-year-olds is a step forward, but it doesn’t go far enough. Parents need full days and holiday cover to be able to work.

“Without more staff and places, families might not even be able to use the hours they’re promised.

“We also need to work with businesses to ensure that they can offer employment for 15 hours a week.”

Deputy Gardiner described affordable childcare as “essential” to the island’s economy.

“If we don’t fix childcare, families will leave Jersey, birth rates will keep falling, and parents will keep dropping out of work. That means less growth for our economy and more stress for families,” she said.

“We need investment in the childcare workforce, support for private providers, and a fair system that helps working parents. Otherwise, Jersey will keep paying the price in lost talent, falling birth rates, and families leaving the island.”

“We must not stop there”

Deputy Louise Doublet, who is a former primary school teacher, echoed her concerns.

“It is crucial that the assembly approves the funding for the 15 weekly hours for two- to three-year-olds – but we must not stop there,” she said.

“My vision is for a comprehensive offer spanning the first 1,001 days and beyond. This would include excellent pre-natal and maternity/health visiting services, an expanded parental leave offer, and funded childcare that starts immediately when parents return to work, with flexibility for parents to choose when and how this happens, and appropriate support for businesses.”

Deputy Doublet described an “early years gap” which “leaves families struggling financially and emotionally, and it is not in the best interests of our children”.

The politician added: “We have known about these issues for quite some time – many of the points raised in this new report are the same ones I highlighted in 2017 with the Jersey Community Relations Trust.

“We need to keep taking this issue seriously and act to further improve services for young families.”