More guidance is needed for parents seeking to reclaim funds through the government's childcare funding scheme, according to Fiona Vacher, CEO of the Jersey Child Care Trust (JCCT).
The government announced in February that parents of eligible children could apply for reimbursements. For children eligible from January to August 2026, the maximum claim is £4,180. For those eligible for a full school year starting September 1, 2026, the amount could be up to £6,270.
Some families have encountered difficulties in reclaiming money, with reports of applications being rejected due to "invalid receipts." Vacher explained that these issues may stem from parents submitting bills instead of itemized receipts, a common challenge with pilot programs.
"We knew there would be difficulties and I know the government is just responding to that," Vacher stated. She suggested that the government could offer "a bit more information for parents about how they and what they submit."
Deputy Catherine Curtis, Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning, reported that since the scheme's inception, 537 applications have been approved for 409 families, with a total of £1.4 million disbursed. Curtis added that while no formal complaints have been lodged, feedback is actively being reviewed to facilitate ongoing improvements to the program.