Expansion of free child care initiatives remains under consideration
The Jersey Association of Child Carers is working diligently to shape a proposal for free nursery and pre-school care for two-to-three-year-olds, aiming to ensure the funding works not only for families across the island but also for self-employed childminders.
According to the Budget for 2026, an additional £3 million has been set aside for nursery funding for two-to-three-year-olds, which is part of the Common Strategic Policy. This proposal, if approved by the States Assembly later this year, would extend 15 free hours of term-time care to all two and three-year-olds.
The proposal includes childminders who look after children in their homes, ensuring that this extended care provision is accessible to a wider range of families. However, it's important to note that no childminder, nursery, or early years setting is currently in receipt of this funding.
The chair of the Jersey Association of Child Carers, Christina Jandron, has stated that they are still trying to secure a "workable deal". Ms. Jandron added that they recognize the challenges and closures that childminders in the UK have faced under similar schemes. Active dialogue is ongoing between the Minister and the Jersey Association of Child Carers regarding the details of the proposals.
The implementation of the funding, if approved, will not happen before January 2026. Once a workable deal has been secured, all childminders, the families they support, and the wider public will be informed that the offer is available.
The Jersey Association of Child Carers is still working to ensure that the proposal is sustainable, fair, and supportive for island's childminders. They are striving to make this proposal a reality, ensuring that it benefits both families and childminders alike.
Despite the proposal being at the development stage, it's an exciting step towards making quality and affordable childcare more accessible for the island's young children and their families. The Jersey Association of Child Carers remains committed to working closely with the government to ensure the best possible outcome for all involved.
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