Expanded Access to Free Preschool Education in Guernsey: Registered Childminders to Participate from Autumn 2025
Beginning in Autumn 2025, parents and caregivers in the Bailiwick of Guernsey will have an expanded array of options for their children’s preschool education. The States of Guernsey’s Early Years team has announced that registered childminders will be included in the Preschool Education Funding (PSEF) programme, allowing eligible families to claim up to 15 hours of free preschool education each week from these providers.
The PSEF programme is a crucial initiative aimed at ensuring children receive quality early education in the year preceding their entry into Reception. This funding, supported by the Committee for Education, Sports & Culture, covers the costs of preschool education for up to 15 hours weekly throughout the school year. The rationale behind incorporating registered childminders into this funding scheme is to enhance accessibility and flexibility in preschool education, catering to the diverse needs of families across the Bailiwick.
Parents and caregivers who qualify can opt to claim their 15 hours of free preschool education through various settings, including traditional preschools, day nurseries, or registered childminders. Additionally, families have the choice to distribute these hours between two different providers, promoting tailored educational experiences for their children.
Registered childminders participating in the PSEF programme are required to adhere to the same rigorous standards applied to preschools and day nurseries, including compliance with the Early Years Quality Standards Framework. This ensures that all children benefit from high-quality education in a nurturing environment, regardless of the care provider selected.
Funding for this initiative is set to commence at the beginning of the Autumn 2025 Term. Parents and caregivers interested in this opportunity are encouraged to reach out to their registered childminders to confirm their participation in the PSEF programme.
Ruth Sharp, Head of the Early Years team, emphasized the significance of quality preschool education, stating, “Research consistently reveals the positive impact high-quality preschool provision can have on children’s long-term development and learning. Childminders provide early childhood education and care in a smaller setting, which can be flexible and can offer an alternative option for parents and carers.”
This progressive step reflects the ongoing commitment of the States of Guernsey to support early childhood education, providing families with greater choices and enhancing the overall educational landscape for young children in the community. As awareness of the crucial role that early education plays in child development continues to grow, this initiative aims to ensure that all children in Guernsey have access to quality preschool experiences, setting the foundation for their future learning paths.
