Press Release from Government of Jersey
Families using Accredited Nannies will be able to access financial support through Jersey’s Childcare Funding Scheme for 2 to 3-year-olds from 1st September 2026, following approval by the Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning.
The change will expand access to funded childcare, providing greater flexibility and choice for families across the island. Until now, funding has only been available for children attending registered childcare settings or registered childminders.
The decision recognises Accredited Nannies as a trusted and professional childcare option that meets recognised standards for qualifications, safeguarding and professional practice. It follows requests from families for greater flexibility in how childcare funding can be used.
The expansion will help more families’ access childcare that works for them, including those who need care outside standard nursery hours, home-based provision or support for multiple children. It will also benefit children who may thrive in smaller, more personalised setting, enabling them to receive consistent care in a familiar home environment.
The Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning, Deputy Catherine Curtis said:
“We know that families have different childcare needs and that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. By extending the Childcare Funding Scheme to include Accredited Nannies, we are giving parents greater choice and flexibility when deciding what type of childcare works before for their family.
“It is another step towards making childcare more accessible and affordable for Jersey families.”
Fiona Vacher, CEO of Jersey Child Care Trust (JCCT) said:
“We are delighted that Accredited Nannies will be included in Jersey’s early years future funding offer. This landmark decision gives parents of two and three-year-olds greater choice in accessing the childcare that best suits their family’s needs, while making nanny care more affordable through this Government support.
“We hope it will encourage more nannies to become Accredited, increasing the availability of high-quality childcare across the island. The accreditation process is designed to be straightforward, with support from the Jersey Child Care Trust throughout.
“We thank the Minister and Government for recognising the valuable role Accredited Nannies play in supporting children and families and for expanding childcare choice across Jersey.”
By extending eligibility to Accredited Nannies, the Government also expects to increase the number of funded childcare places available across the island, making better use of existing childcare capacity and supporting its wider commitment to improving access to affordable childcare.
Application processes will be updated during September, with applications due to open in October. More information will be published once the application form is live. Families using Accredited Nannies will be able to backdate applications to 1st September 2026.
Parents and carers can find further information and access the application form once it is live at Funding for Early Childhood Education and Childcare.
