Families with nannies can get childcare funding

Families who employ accredited nannies can now access government funding.

From September 2026, care for two and three-year-olds under nanny care will be eligible for financial support following approval by the Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning Catherine Curtis.

Funding was previously available only for those with children in childcare settings or with registered childminders.

Deputy Curtis said the move would "give parents greater choice and flexibility" on deciding what childcare was "best for their family".

She added: "It is another step towards making childcare more accessible and affordable for Jersey families."

The government said it followed requests from families for "greater flexibility" in how childcare funding could be used.

It said it would help families who needed care outside nursery hours, home-based provision or support for multiple children.

"It will also benefit children who may thrive in a smaller, more personalised setting, enabling them to receive consistent care in a familiar home environment," the government said.

It said it could also make available more funded childcare places and boost capacity.

Meanwhile, Fiona Vacher, CEO of Jersey Childcare Trust (JCCT), said it was "delighted" with the move.

"We hope it will encourage more nannies to become accredited, increasing the availability of high-quality childcare across the island," she added.

It said applications would open in October - with a process available to backdate funding to 1 September - and more information would be published online.

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