​​The Early Years Childhood Partnership (EYCP) reviewed the education funded services available to children in the academic year in which they turn 4 years of age and to identify how services for pre-school children (0 – 5 years) should be structured to ensure the needs of the child and family are best met.

A task and finish group comprising representatives from Children’s Policy, Childcare and Early Years Services, Jersey Early Years Association, a Primary School Head teacher and Jersey Child Care Trust met from April to October 2017. The group was chaired by Dr Cathy Hamer, Chair of the Early Years Childhood Partnership.

The group reviewed the evidence for what matters in promoting children’s learning and well-being in the early years, the benefits of early investment and an overview of the Jersey context including the early years workforce, capacity, demand and funding. Three principles for early childhood education in Jersey were developed along with immediate, short and medium - term recommendations.

This report represents the start of a journey to giving all children in Jersey the best start in life. It opens the door for further thinking and future development to be taken forwards by the Early Years Childhood Partnership.