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More families will be able to access free childcare across Caerphilly County Borough as Flying Start expands. 

Flying Start, the early years programme which seeks to help families with children in disadvantaged areas, is set to expand across the borough thanks to nearly £1.5m of funding from the Welsh Government.

The expansion of free childcare will start in April.

A spokesperson for Caerphilly County Borough Council said: “The Flying Start childcare phase two expansion in Caerphilly County Borough will enable an extra 337 two-year-olds in expansion areas to access Flying Start childcare places in approved contracted Flying Start childcare settings.”

According to a report from Caerphilly County Borough Council, “community areas of financial disadvantage”, where there was a high number of children aged up to three living in income benefit households, will be targeted.

Areas including Bargoed, Blackwood, Aberbargoed, Pengam and Pontllanfraith will now be able to access Flying Start childcare.

It also means families in Pontlottyn will be able to access the programme for the first time since it started in 2008. 

Cllr Mansel Powell, who represents Moriah and Pontlottyn, told Caerphilly Observer the lack of access has always been “a complaining point” – but now access is available residents are thankful. 

“I put it out to residents,” he added, “the residents are really happy.”

Cllr Powell said it was “really positive for the village”.

Phase two in the expansion of Flying Start

While phase one saw access to free childcare, an enhanced health visiting service, parenting programmes and support related to children’s communication made available for 172 children, phase two will fund free childcare provision only.

Speaking in the council’s Education Scrutiny Committee meeting on February 14, Cllr Carol Andrews, cabinet member for Education, said: “Work has commenced and will continue throughout 2023.”

New staff and childcare settings will need to be found and eligibility depends on a household’s postcode. 

Also speaking in the meeting on February 14, Sarah Mutch, Early Years and Partnerships manager for Caerphilly County Borough Council, described how using postcodes for eligibility can be challenging and said: “Postcodes are a bit of a blunt tool.” 

Ms Mutch added that outreach will be available for those who are “very vulnerable”. 

A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “High-quality learning and care in early years support child development and plays an important role in preparing children for school.

“As part of our co-operation agreement with Plaid Cymru, we’re providing £10m of additional funding to expand Flying Start in 2023-24. This means over 4,500 more two-year-olds across Wales will benefit from high-quality free childcare, including more than 300 children in Caerphilly.

“This support will make a considerable difference to the lives of thousands of young children and families across Wales.”

Residents can use the postcode checker on the Early Years Hub to find out if their child is eligible for Flying Start childcare.