MAJOR concerns over Budget proposals to extend the government’s provision of free nursery and pre-school care are being raised – amid fears that it may not be deliverable.
In a letter to its members, seen by the JEP, the Jersey Early Years Association has said that there has been “no further consultation on any aspect of the proposed scheme” following initial conversations to determine the cost.
Under the government’s 2026 funding plan, an additional £3 million has been set aside 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, the move has caused major concern for the Island’s nursery sector as to how the number of additional hours will be covered, whether the provision would be universal and the extra cost required.
And the JEP understands that childminding associations have requested emergency meetings with the Education Department following the publication of the Budget.
Addressing its members, the JEYA said: “You are all aware of the work we did earlier in the year to determine the cost of provision of care for the purpose of establishing a rate. Since then, there has been no further consultation on any aspect of the proposed scheme, despite numerous requests. As a consequence, sadly we know little more than has been published in the draft Budget document and the media.
“We have made representations on behalf of the sector about the timeframe ie a proposed start date of 1 January when it is only being debated in December. We may ask for volunteers from the sector to participate in discussions with government on the scheme’s administration, which we have been assured will mirror the existing nursery education funding scheme.
“Please rest assured we are all working exceptionally hard to try to get a clearer picture of what is proposed and will update you as soon as we have more information.”
The Island’s nursery sector is already under significant strain amid budgetary and staffing pressures. Busy Bees nursery recently made the “difficult decision” to close its toddler and pre-school rooms for up to a year because of staffing issues.
Last week, 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.”
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.”
Education Minister Rob Ward said that more details on how the additional hours will be provided will be announced later this month.
In a statement: “The proposed core offer of 15 hours, term-time only universal childcare for two to three-year-olds (in their pre-NEF year), with participating nurseries and childminders is subject to the approval of the States Assembly in December.
“The department is now moving towards implementation planning with representatives of both nurseries and childminders. Following the publication of the proposed budget this week, more details on the offer to parents and providers will be announced later this month.”
