Merthyr Tydfil has created history! As a result, it has become the first council in Wales to offer a childcare place to all eligible two-year-olds under the Welsh Government’s Flying Start program. This is a major step in the right direction in providing greater access to early childhood education in Wales — especially in communities that are most deprived. Similarly, the Welsh government is committed to strengthening its childcare framework. There are still worries about what’s being done for the youngest of children, and whether what’s in place now is enough.
Our Flying Start scheme is going national! It will initially target only the most deprived areas and eventually seeks to provide all two-year-olds access, determined by their postcode. By the end of the five-year period, the initiative will serve an estimated 15,901 children. This will equate to approximately 52% of all two-year-olds in Wales. A further £25 million will support continued expansion into 2025-26. This additional investment is going to serve more than 4,000 additional kids.
Today the Welsh Liberal Democrats have launched a radical manifesto which dares to dream. It guarantees 30 hours of free high-quality early education per week for children from nine months to school age. This proposal further includes investment in school holiday provision to help ease the burden on families currently facing a financial squeeze. So despite these advances, Wales does not yet provide free childcare for under two-year olds. It’s meant that many parents have been looking for better alternatives over the border in England.
Their picture of childcare Outside England, just three working age parents enjoy 30 hours of free childcare each week during term time. This innovative benefit works for children between nine months and four years. Wales provides Flying Start childcare provision for two and three-year-olds of 12.5 hours per week. It’s a tiny fraction of what other parts of the country are investing. The continuation of the current 30 hours provision for some of the country’s three and four-year-olds is understandable. Parents want to know why there isn’t more help for younger kids.
Other families have already taken the hard choice of moving to England in order to benefit from more extensive childcare provision. One parent expressed her disappointment about leaving her home but acknowledged that relocating was necessary for her family’s financial wellbeing.
“I’m really sad about it. I’ve left my home. But ultimately, if it means I can have the family, it’s worth it.” – Robin
The financial burden that childcare poses in Wales has been an ongoing concern for countless families. One parent reported that relocation was a cheaper answer than the outgoings they were paying in Wales.
“They said it would be a heck of a lot cheaper than trying to pay childcare in Wales.” – Robin
In the UK, worries about the lack of childcare places have quickly surfaced. Others express concern about the costs that they would incur for extra hours not covered by the government. Sarah Ostler, a spokesperson for the Welsh government, accepted the challenge. She stressed a focus on sustainable provision while putting disadvantaged communities first.
“We’ve prioritised our more disadvantaged communities and made sure provision is sustainable,” – Sarah Ostler
Grace, a young person living in Merthyr Tydfil, spoke very highly of her experiences with the Flying Start programme. She underscored how the station renews hope and promise for local families.
“It’s so beneficial to have this programme for Merthyr, for everyone living here to have the opportunity for their children to go into childcare at such a young age without any stress about fees,” – Grace
The Welsh Conservatives are also preparing to implement a childcare offer that would be based on England’s 30-hours provision. This new programme will help working families with children aged nine months to four years during school/term time. For our Welsh supporters, Plaid Cymru has got some thrilling news! They are also on track to deliver free childcare for all children aged 9 months to 4 years of at least 20 hours, by 2031.
As Congress debates the future of childcare funding, early childhood education advocates are reminding legislators that early interventions help spur children’s development and set them up for success. Ms Dymock highlighted how access to quality childcare can enhance household income and improve career prospects while nurturing children’s growth.
“I think that will help the household income, residents’ careers but also children’s development,” – Ms Dymock
This long-standing and increasing focus on early childhood education is a good indication of the broader recognition of its importance to society. Hurdles still exist as stakeholders grapple with the new funding opportunities and how to best utilize them.
