Proposals to extend the government’s provision of free nursery and pre-school care are “still at the development stage”, the chair of the Jersey Association of Child Carers has said – despite forming part of the 2026 Budget.
Released on Tuesday, the government’s Budget set aside an additional £3 million for nursery funding for two-to-three-year-olds. If approved by the States Assembly, the additional provision would come in to force in January.
However, Jersey Association of Child Carers chair Christina Jandron said in a post on social media that while she and other childminders are liaising with government, they are still trying to secure a “workable deal”.
She said: “It is correct that I, along with a small team of dedicated childminders, am working closely with the Government to shape an offer that includes funding for 2–3 year-olds. However, this work is still at the development stage.
“The proposal forms part of the Government’s draft Budget and remains subject to debate and approval by the Assembly later this year. If approved, the funding would not be implemented before January 2026.”
Ms Jandron added that “no childminder, nursery, or early years setting is currently in receipt of this funding”.
“We recognise the importance of ensuring that this funding offer works not only for families across the island but also for self-employed childminders,” she said.
“Many will be aware of the challenges and closures that childminders in the UK have faced under similar schemes.
“We are therefore working hard to ensure that this proposal is sustainable, fair, and supportive for our island’s childminders.”
During a Children, Education and Home Affairs Scrutiny Panel hearing on Wednesday, Education Minister Rob Ward said that those who look after children in their homes would soon be included in the additional allocation of 15 hours of free care each week during term time for all two and three-year-olds.
Currently, the Government offers up to 30 funded hours of nursery care for 38 weeks of the years.
The Budget states: “To deliver our Common Strategic Policy, this Budget increases our investment into nursery and childcare provision – extending provision of 15 free hours (term-time) to all 2–3-year-olds.”
Ms Jandron said that “active dialogue” continues between the Minister and the Jersey Association of Child Carers on the details of the proposals.
“Once a workable deal has been secured, we will inform all childminders, the families they support, and the wider public that the offer is available,” she added.