THE NUMBER of places available with accredited childminders in Jersey is “not sufficient to meet the potential demand”, according to the Jersey Association of Childcare Providers.
The comments were made in a submission to the 2026-2029 Budget Review in light of the government’s proposal to fund 15 free hours of nursery care for all two to three-year-olds in Jersey from January.
The letter, penned by vice-chair of the JACC Christina Jandron, outlined that while the proposal is an “extremely positive” move, they are concerned about whether childminders specifically will be able to meet demand the extra hours could generate.
Ms Jandron wrote: “While this budget proposal would support families already using childminding services, it may not fully accommodate the increased demand that this offer could generate.”
“Although a few childminder spaces are currently available, the number is not sufficient to meet the potential demand,” she added.
The letter also expressed hopes that the new funding initiative, if approved, might allow for current childminder ratios to be reviewed to allow for the changes.
She explained that under current regulations, childminders are currently allowed to care for up to three children under school age, one of whom can be under 12 months old.
“Families seeking the simple 15 hours space will face a barrier of not having the spaces available without a “top up on hours” being requested by bigger settings,” Ms Jandron said.
She subsequently suggested that if ratios were adjusted for one additional place, “childminders could offer more flexibility”.
She explained that increasing ratios by 1 child per childminder, at least eighty additional places will be available across Jersey, supporting parents and encouraging others to enter the sector.
“It would encourage more people to become childminders as the prospect of a strong need for business would be there,” Ms Jandron wrote.
The letter was published last Thursday, the same day a number of key industry stakeholders attended a roundtable event with Policy Centre Jersey about the state of childcare in the island.
Nursery owners, teachers, parents, early years’ specialists and States Members discussed how Jersey could do better for its youngest residents and their families.
They also provided their thoughts on the government’s proposal to fund 15 free hours of nursery care for all 2-3 year olds in Jersey from January.
Their insights will contribute to an Early Years Research Report, due to be published next month by the Policy Centre.
