Expanding free nursery care hours to encompass child minders will now span approximately 15 hours.
Jersey Government Announces Expansion of Early Years Pilot Programme
In a significant move aimed at improving early years education and childcare, the Jersey government has announced plans to expand its ongoing pilot programme. The announcement was made as part of the 2026 Budget proposals, which also allocated £246m for Children, Families, Education, and Lifelong Learning.
The pilot program, which began earlier this year, has seen three government schools - D'Auvergne School, Plat Douet, and Trinity School - extend their operating hours and offer childcare during school holidays. As part of this initiative, these schools have reserved dedicated places for two to three-year-olds, aiming to relieve pressure on private nurseries.
The ongoing pilot is set to expand, with the third phase exploring partnerships with private nurseries based on school grounds. However, the name of the institution collaborating with the ministry for the opening of a new kindergarten facility in the third phase remains undisclosed.
The additional allocation of 15 hours of free care a term for all two and three-year-olds is expected to become available if the proposals are approved by the States Assembly. If approved, this extra funded nursery care will begin in January 2026.
The childcare sector in Jersey has been identified as "vulnerable" and in need of review. The government currently offers up to 30 funded hours of nursery care available for 38 weeks of the year during school term-time. The additional funding is part of a multi-million-pound boost announced at the end of 2024.
Deputy Rob Ward, the Minister responsible for Education, Sport, and Culture, expressed a desire for the best provision for children. He stated that a new phase of recruitment for the childcare sector would commence shortly, acknowledging the challenges facing the sector, including cost pressures and recruitment.
Parents have been "overwhelmingly positive" about the new provision, according to Deputy Ward. However, recent recruitment drives for nursery staff have been less successful compared to efforts to attract new teaching assistants.
One notable challenge in the sector has been staffing issues, with institutions like Busy Bees nursery closing its toddler and pre-school rooms for up to a year due to staffing issues.
At a hearing on the same day as the budget announcement, the Minister acknowledged these challenges but stated they were not unique to Jersey. The government will also include childminders in the provision of free nursery and pre-school care for the first time.
The Minister did not provide a specific number of current vacancies in the sector when asked. However, he expressed a commitment to improving the sector and ensuring the best possible care for Jersey's children.
Read also:
- Is it advisable to utilize your personal health insurance in a publicly-funded medical facility?
- Dietary strategies for IBS elimination: Aims and execution methods
- Benefits, suitable dosage, and safety considerations for utilizing pumpkin seed oil in treating an overactive bladder
- Harmful Medical Remedies: A Misguided Approach to Healing
