CHILDCARE providers have warned that extra funding for parents proposed in the Budget will not guarantee access to more care, with some settings already unable to accommodate additional children or hours.
The Jersey Early Years Association said it was not consulted before the government announced a £1.7 million proposal to increase support for eligible two- and three-year-olds in the proposed Budget, unveiled last month.
The government has described the measure as increasing funded provision from the equivalent of 15 to 20 hours a week.
However, the association stressed that parents receive money towards childcare bills rather than an entitlement to fixed hours, meaning what it covers depends on providers’ fees.
The association welcomed additional help for working families but said several providers had reported having no capacity to accept more children or extend existing hours.
“Increased financial support for parents will therefore not, by itself, necessarily translate into increased access to childcare where sufficient places and appropriately qualified staff are not available,” its statement said.
JEYA chair Belinda Lewis also warned that closures would put further pressure on remaining providers.
“Should a nursery close, there would be additional strain on the remaining nurseries to support the families affected prior to addressing the additional hours announced by government.”
Her warning comes just days after Leeward Busy Bees Nursery, based at Springfield Stadium, announced it would close at the end of the month following ongoing staffing issues. Its toddler and pre-school rooms closed last year, while its baby room remained open.
Education Minister Catherine Curtis said affected children would be offered spaces at Busy Bees’ La Providence and Castle Quay locations, with officials working with the owners to minimise disruption.
Mrs Lewis said JEYA first learnt of the Budget proposal through a ministerial letter on 29 September.
“We were not consulted prior to the announcement so had no opportunity to influence the government plans,” she said.
She also said the government survey being used was “no longer current” and was collecting updated figures from settings.
Registration requirements prevented providers from caring for additional children without qualified staff, she added.
“We are proud of the standard of care here in Jersey and would not want the care of children compromised.”
Responding, the Education Department acknowledged capacity concerns but said evidence presented a “mixed picture”.
Childminders had anticipated increased capacity from September, while some registered settings reported fewer bookings, suggesting availability in parts of the market.
The department also cited a new nursery opening, more childminders seeking registration and accredited nannies joining the funding offer.
It stressed that many eligible children already attended childcare.
“For those families, the additional funding will reduce the financial burden of childcare and help parents remain in, or return to, work,” the statement said.
The proposed Budget remains subject to States Assembly approval. The department pledged continued engagement with providers, while JEYA called for an early meeting to discuss delivery and the sector’s wider needs.
