21 March 2023
The Assistant Minister for Children and Education, Deputy Louise Doublet, has announced
additional financial support measures for the early years sector. The financial measures have been
agreed following a series of meetings with the Jersey Early Years’ Association, JEYA, which
represents early years providers in the Island.
The annual increase to the Nursery Education Fund ,NEF, -which funds nursery places for threeand four-year-olds - has been set at 8% this year. This equates to up to £627 additional funding
per child this year.
In addition, the Minister has announced that the increase – which usually applies from the Autumn
Term, will be brought forward. All NEF-eligible providers will receive the increased funding in the
Summer Term.
In addition, NEF-registered nurseries will receive an additional one-off payment in May. The funds
are designed to improve children’s experience. This could be through the purchase of specialist
equipment, multi-lingual books, or any resources that will support children’s learning and
development and meet their individual needs.
The £82,000 of funding will be allocated based on how many children attend a setting. The smallest
settings will receive £1500, and the largest will receive £6,000.
Belinda Lewis, on behalf of the Jersey Early Years Association, JEYA, said: “The members of the
Jersey Early Years Association welcome the annual increase from Government to support the
Nursery Education Fund delivered on contract to the parents of early years children eligible for this
funding.
“Bringing this subsidy forward acknowledges the rise in costs providers are experiencing.
The one-off payment will help the members of JEYA maintain the standard of childcare they are
proud to offer children and their parents. It will also help support children to continue to develop
their skills through valuable experiences in the care of registered nurseries and pre-schools. JEYA
continues to enjoy a strong working relationship with Government.”
Assistant Minister for Children and Education, Deputy Louise Doublet, said: “I am still working with
officers and with JEYA to review the early years sector. However, I am very aware that parents and
providers are telling us that they need action now.
“That is why I have brought forward this year’s NEF increase, and why I sought and have provided
additional funding to invest in children’s experiences in their nursery settings. The measures will
help offset the increased costs for providers, and avoid this cost being passed on to parents.
“These measures are a sign of how important this sector is, not just to families, but to the economy
as whole. Parents rely on having access to early years provision so that they can continue to work;
meanwhile, children who receive high-quality care and early education will see the benefits
throughout their lives.
“I would like to thank JEYA representatives, who have worked closely with me over the last six
months to agree these measures.”
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