More children to receive free nursery hours

Jersey parents will be able to claim up to £6,270 per school year for childcare costs for their toddlers, the Education Minister has announced.

The Childcare Funding Scheme for children aged two to three years old will benefit about 700 families when the scheme goes live in January, Deputy Rob Ward said.

Eligible families will still have to pay upfront and be reimbursed later, after a budget amendment to pay nurseries directly was rejected last week.

Mr Ward said payments would be made in arrears in up to three instalments upon proof of purchase from registered providers, and that £4.5m had been put aside for 2026 and £5.3m for 2027 to support the scheme.

"It reflects our determination to provide children with the best possible start in life and to address affordability, which over 90% of parents surveyed identified as their top concern," he said.

"This universal approach means there are no working, income, or residency conditions, ensuring that every eligible family can benefit.

"Officers will now work closely with registered childcare providers and families to ensure the scheme is live from January, with applications opening in February and first payments made by April 2026."

Fiona Vacher, CEO of Jersey Child Care Trust (JCCT), said: "This new funding scheme 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. "

Mr Ward added that additional support would be available for families on income support, and that JCCT could assist families unable to pay in advance.

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