Growth funding for childcare

WQ.425/2025

WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR EDUCATION AND LIFELONG LEARNING

BY DEPUTY I. GARDINER OF ST. HELIER NORTH

QUESTION SUBMITTED ON MONDAY 10th NOVEMBER 2025

ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON MONDAY 17th NOVEMBER 2025

Question

"In relation to the £3 million Expenditure Growth Allocation to extend the provision of 15 hours per week of funded childcare to 2-3 year-olds, as referenced on page 44 of the Proposed Budget (Government Plan) 2026 to 2029, will the Minister advise –

1. how many children aged two to three years are projected to benefit in 2026 from this funding, broken down between January to July 2026 and from September to December 2026;
2. how much of the growth will be directed specifically to funding additional childcare hours, compared with the proportion allocated to other associated costs such as administrative support, workforce development, quality improvement, or capital investment, together with an explanation of what each cost category comprises;
3. the proposed hourly rate that the Government intends to pay childcare providers and whether the rate is intended to cover full delivery costs;
4. whether all providers will receive the same hourly rate;
5. if a variable or tiered rate structure was considered, and why a single rate was ultimately selected; and
6. what additional funding is available to those who provide Special Educational Needs or Disability (SEND) support and, if none, why not?"

Answer

1. It is a universal offer for all children of eligible age. Population predictions, using birth data and forecasting methodology, anticipate that 813 children will be eligible to benefit from January to July 2026. 748 children will become eligible from September to December 2026.
2. 100% of the revenue growth will be specifically directed to funding childcare hours.
3. The Government of Jersey's economics team worked with representatives from Jersey Early Years Association (JEYA) to develop and agree a model of the costs of childcare in a private nursery setting. From this model, the cost of providing childcare for 2-3 year olds was estimated at £10.24 per hour. After allowing for inflation and also applying a sustainability and resilience uplift, the proposed hourly rate was increased to £11 per hour.
4. All registered early years providers and registered childminders will be included in the scheme.
5. Yes a variable rate was considered. It was rejected in favour of a more streamlined and consistent funding mechanism with a reduced administrative burden.
6. This offer is part of a wider package of investment in early childhood development which includes:

• £1.5 million targeted support for children with additional needs

• £0.7m for Speech and Language Therapy following a successful pilot co-delivered with Every Child Our Future

• £0.6m to continue successful pilot programmes in schools