£10m extra to expand Flying Start scheme for two-year-olds

MORE two-year-olds in Wales are set to benefit from funded childcare as a scheme expands with £10m of further Welsh Government funding.

The extra funding is part of a phased plan to expand early-years provision to all two-year-olds in Wales, with a particular emphasis on strengthening Welsh-medium provision.

The cash is part of the commitment in the Co-operation Agreement between the Welsh Government and Plaid Cymru.

The new investment will see an additional 2,200 children benefit from Flying Start childcare in 202324.

Flying Start helps families with young children in the most disadvantaged areas of Wales and includes free, part-time quality childcare for children aged two to three living in those areas.

During 2023-24 and 2024-25 the Welsh Government will invest a total of £46 million in expanding Flying Start childcare to support children and families across Wales facing the greatest challenges.

Phase 2 is expected to support over 4,500 more two-year-olds to access high-quality Flying Start childcare in 2023-24. In 2024-25, Phase 2 will support a further 5,200 two-year-olds.

Deputy Minister for Social Services Julie Morgan and Plaid Cymru designated member Siân Gwenllian announced the funding at a visit to Mount Stuart Primary School, in Cardiff.

Julie Morgan said: “Developing high-quality support for children and families in the early years has been a long-standing priority for the Welsh Government.

“I am delighted to announce a further £10 million in 2023-24 to extend the reach of this important scheme. This additional funding will make a considerable difference to the lives and outcomes of thousands of children and their families across Wales.”

Siân Gwenllian said: “Investment in the early years is a game-changer to address inequality and give children the best start in life.”

Families who live in the new Flying Start expansion areas will be notified by their local Flying Start teams.