A long-debated plan to fund nursery care for two- and three-year-olds has warmly welcomed by the group representing Jersey’s childminders – but a decision on how the scheme will be administered is still pending.
In a statement, Jersey Association of Childcarers (JACC) chair Christina Jandron said members were “extremely pleased” that the States Assembly last week approved the Education Minister’s proposal as part of the 2026–2029 Budget.
The move means that families in Jersey will receive grant funding directly from the government to pay for 15 hours of registered nursery care each week, back-dated from January.
The JACC, which represents self-employed childminders, agreed to the scheme, but Ms Jandron said a decision is yet to be made on a payment model to receive funding from the government.
She did say that they are anticipating first payments to be made to either parents or providers between late March and early April 2026.
Former Education Minister, Deputy Inna Gardiner, had attempted to amend Deputy Ward’s proposition, with a request that the Budget increase the proposed pay rate for early years staff from £11 per hour, per child to £11.50.
She was also critical of Deputy Ward for not meeting with the Jersey Early Years Association and being unable to reach a pay rate agreement with them. Her amendment attempt was ultimately defeated 30 votes to ten.
Ahead of the scheme starting next month, Ms Jandron added that the JACC continues “to work closely with the Government of Jersey to determine which approach will best support the Island’s self-employed childminding community”.
