DETAILS of how parents can access funding for a new nursery scheme set to start next month have now been confirmed.
Education Minister Rob Ward confirmed that parents of children aged two- to three-years-old will be able to claim up to £6,270 per school year for childcare costs – equivalent to 15 hours per week of nursery care.
After receiving approval in the recent Budget debate on 12 December, the new Childcare Funding Scheme will commence from 1 January 2026 and represents “a significant step forward” in supporting local families, Deputy Ward said.
Payments will be made in arrears in up to three instalments, upon proof of purchase from a registered provider, including private nurseries and childminders.
Deputy Ward estimated that around 700 families will benefit from the scheme in 2026, with resources of up to £4.5 million available.
There are no working, income or residency conditions to access the funding, meaning all parents of two-to-three-year-olds are eligible. Children must have turned three after 1 September 2025 to be eligible for funding next year.
The scheme’s commencement next month will be in addition to existing government support for children aged three-to-four who can access up to 30 free nursery hours per week during term time through the Nursery Education Fund.
Children aged two-to-three with developmental needs can also already access up to 12 free hours per week under the Best Start Plus programme.
Though the new scheme will be live from January, applications will open for parents in February with first payments made in April 2026.
Deputy Ward said the scheme will “provide children with the best possible start in life”, despite having faced criticism from some early years providers over hourly rate offers and staffing challenges.
The initiative has received support from other providers and children’s charities however. Fiona Vacher, chief executive of Jersey Child Care Trust said the additional funding “will make a real difference to families across Jersey”.
“By reducing the financial barriers to childcare, parents can focus on work, study, and family life, while children benefit from high-quality education and care,” she said.
The charity is working in partnership with government to support low income families unable to pay in advance for the nursery care.
Ms Vacher added:“This investment is about more than affordability it is about supporting child development, enabling parents to work or study, and strengthening the foundations for lifelong learning. It is a clear demonstration of our commitment to families and to the future of our Island.
Parents can find further details of the scheme through the gov.je website.
