Jersey nursery owners call for funding reform

Currently, all three to four-year-olds are entitled to 20 hours per week of free nursery education for 38 weeks in term time. Credit: ITV Channel TV

Private nurseries in Jersey are calling on the new Education Minister to reform the funding formula for free pre-school care.Under the current system, children qualify for 20 hours free care a week in the year they turn four.

Nurseries can claim back £5.49 per child per hour to cover these hours, but many say it does not cover their costs.

The previous Education Minister, Senator Tracey Vallois, pledged to increase the government funding to cover 30 free hours a week from September 2021.ITV understands Senator Vallois had been in discussions with the early years providers about increasing the hourly rate to address their concerns.But her replacement, Deputy Jeremy Maçon, says he wants to review the proposals before committing.

A politician on the Children and Education Scrutiny panel says parents and businesses need clarity. Deputy Louise Doublet is urging Deputy Maçon to press ahead with the increased free hours.