£100m to improve childcare and fund free part-time places

ALMOST £100m of funding has been allocated by the Welsh Government to improve childcare and fund free part-time places. The cash will also go towards additional Welsh language provision.

The Welsh Government says the funding is part of a plan to expand early years provision for two-yearolds in Wales, emphasising strengthening Welsh-medium provision.

This policy was a commitment in the cooperation agreement between the Labour-led government and Plaid Cymru.

Out of the £100 million provided, £26 million will go towards the expansion of part-time Flying-Start childcare; £70 million will go towards improvements and maintenance of childcare buildings and £3.8 million will go towards improving Welshlanguage provision.

The announcement was made by deputy minister for social services Julie Morgan and Plaid Cymru designated member Sian Gwenllian at Cylch Meithrin nursery in Abergele, Denbighshire.

Mrs Morgan said: “Our continued investment in the childcare sector is helping to provide exceptional facilities for children across Wales as well as supporting long-term, positive impacts on the lives of children and families through the Flying Start programme.

“It is clear that high-quality provision in the early years supports child development and plays an important role in ensuring that every child has the best start in life and enjoys learning, expands their knowledge and fulfils their potential.

“I am particularly pleased to invest in Welsh language provision to grow both the number of Welsh medium settings and the number of Welsh speakers within the workforce.”