The funding proposals were contained within the Government Plan, which was approved by States Members last month.

Additional financial support for the teaching of Jèrriais was unanimously approved by the States in 2016 and four ‘experienced’ teachers have been appointed since then.

The report accompanying the latest spending plans says that lessons are now being taught in 13 primary schools to just under 150 pupils and in six secondary schools to 14 pupils. Adult classes are also being taught, which five States Members are attending.

‘As a result of these measures, it is hoped that a new generation of native Jèrriais speakers will emerge,’ the report says.

‘The Jèrriais Teaching Service, along with other key stakeholders, have now developed the Jèrriais Language Plan 2020 – 2023, to coincide with the Government Plan, which outlines aims and objectives to protect and promote Jèrriais, centred around five strategic themes.

‘These themes build on the aims of the Jèrriais Plan 2017-19 in seeking to increase the acquisition, use and status of Jèrriais through education and the wider community.

‘In addition to this, work is underway to secure ratification for Jèrriais under the terms of the European Charter for Regional and Minority Languages, which will bring Jersey into line with other UK minority languages like Manx and Cornish.’

During the last two years the States has also voted heavily in favour of producing all public sector signage and letter-heading in both English and Jèrriais, as well as to adopt the Island’s native tongue as an official language of the States Chamber.

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‘This sends a message to Islanders that Jersey’s politicians value our native language and are serious about supporting steps to promote and increase the profile of Jèrriais throughout the Island,’ the report adds.

‘Funding flexibility will be required to manage emergent priorities.’

The sums allocated towards funding Jèrriais teaching in schools in the Government Plan are £375,000 for 2020, £386,000 for 2021, £398,000 for 2022 and £410,000 for 2023.

Education Minister Tracey Vallois recently publicly stated her opposition to planned efficiencies of £1.781 million in her department, which she believes could damage services.

Those efficiencies include making savings by revising the ‘cost recovery’ system for courses at Highlands College.