Jersey Childcare Costs 50% Higher Than UK, Report Finds

Childcare in Jersey costs around 50% more than in the UK, according to new research by Policy Centre Jersey.

Its Early Years 2024 report found parents on the island pay an average of £9.90 for childcare, compared with £6.36 across the UK.

The report highlighted a new island-wide scheme that allows parents to claim up to £6,270 per school year for two- and three-year-olds, regardless of income or employment status.

Policy Centre Jersey also noted a significant fall in birth rates, with the number of births dropping from 1,008 in 2016 to 716 in 2024. The decline was said to be reducing demand for early years services and leading to spare capacity in primary schools.

Deputy Sam Mézec previously warned that the falling birth rate, alongside Jersey’s ageing population, presents a major long-term challenge for the island.

The report said the childcare sector continues to face recruitment and retention problems, driven by higher wages available in other industries and rising operating costs.

It concluded that staffing shortages, combined with increasing expenses and limited growth in government funding, were creating serious short-term pressures for providers.

Survey responses included in the report showed widespread dissatisfaction among parents, with 95% describing childcare affordability as poor or very poor. Almost eight in 10 parents also said there were insufficient childcare places available.

Parents and carers also reported limited flexibility from providers, citing a lack of holiday cover and early morning or evening childcare options.