Free early learning for your child (Nursery Education Fund)

When your child can get free hours

Your child can get free Government funded nursery education in the school year that they turn four years old.

How many free hours you can get

Your child can get up to 30 hours’ free nursery education each week, for 38 weeks, during school term-time only, from the beginning of the school year (September).

Where you can get a place

You can apply for a funded nursery place at a Government of Jersey primary school, or a NEF registered provider in the private or voluntary sector.

Different early learning providers offer different attendance options, such as mornings only, school hours or full days.

How to apply for a private nursery provider place

You can find a full list of NEF registered nurseries on the Jersey Child Care Trust website. Contact the nursery provider direct to enquire about available places.

Day nurseries

Day nurseries are open outside of school times, for example 7.30am to 6pm, and some are open all year round (50 weeks a year).

This can help working parents as they provide both childcare and early years education.

Day nurseries are usually for children from birth until they start school but some nurseries may only take children in certain age ranges.

You can find a full list of registered Nursery Education Fund (NEF) nurseries, which offer free hours, on the Jersey Child Care Trust Website.

Pre-schools

Pre-school hours generally reflect the school day or offer mornings only, but hours may differ between preschools.

Pre-schools are for children from two years to school entry age.

You can find a full list of registered NEF preschools, which offer free hours (in the year before your child starts school) on the Jersey Child Care Trust Website.