Expansion of free childcare programs remains under active consideration
Jersey Government Proposes to Extend Free Childcare for 2-3-year-olds
The Jersey Government has unveiled plans to extend 15 hours of free childcare each week during term time to all 2-3-year-olds. This proposal forms part of the government's draft Budget for 2026, which includes an additional £3 million for nursery funding for this age group.
Currently, the Government offers up to 30 funded hours of nursery care for 38 weeks of the year. If approved by the States Assembly, the extension of free care for 2-3-year-olds will come into force in January 2026.
The funding would be provided to childminders who look after children in their homes. The government is aiming to ensure that the funding offer works for families across the island and self-employed childminders.
The proposal is still at the development stage and remains subject to debate and approval by the Assembly later this year. The Jersey Association of Child Carers is working closely with the Government to shape this proposal for free nursery and pre-school care for 2-3-year-olds.
Ms. Jandron, while not named as the Minister for Education in the available search results, mentioned that she and other childminders are liaising with the government to secure a "workable deal". She also highlighted the challenges and closures that childminders in the UK have faced under similar schemes.
Once a workable deal has been secured, the Government will inform all childminders, the families they support, and the wider public about the availability of the offer. It's important to note that no childminder, nursery, or early years setting is currently receiving this funding.
The government's Budget for 2026 has set aside an additional £3 million for nursery funding for 2-3-year-olds. This increase in investment into nursery and childcare provision is part of the government's commitment to supporting families and early years education.
The States Assembly will debate and vote on the proposal later this year. If approved, the extension of free care for 2-3-year-olds will mark a significant step in the island's childcare policy.
Read also:
- Executive from significant German automobile corporation advocates for a truthful assessment of transition toward electric vehicles
- Crisis in a neighboring nation: immediate cheese withdrawal at Rewe & Co, resulting in two fatalities.
- United Kingdom Christians Voice Opposition to Assisted Dying Legislation
- Democrats are subtly dismantling the Affordable Care Act. Here's the breakdown
