Support quality, independent, local journalism…that matters

From just £1 a month you can help fund our work – and use our website without adverts. Become a member today

Forty-six million pounds of Welsh Government money will go towards expanding childcare provision for two-year-olds over the next two years, the Welsh Government has said.

In a statement issued to Senedd Members, Julie Morgan MS, the deputy minister for social services, said the funding for Flying Start is expected to help more than 9,500 two-year-olds access “high quality childcare”.

Mrs Morgan said: “This investment will allow Flying Start childcare to expand significantly, supporting long-term, positive impacts on the lives of those children and families across Wales facing the greatest challenges.”

It comes as part of the Welsh Government’s Co-operation Agreement with Plaid Cymru.

Mrs Morgan said: “The first phase began in September 2022 and we have already passed our target. All four elements of the Flying Start programme ­– enhanced health visiting, support for speech, language and communication, parenting support and childcare – are available to more than 2,600 additional children.

“We are now focusing on the next phase of expansion – delivering the childcare element of Flying Start to even more two-year-olds across Wales.”

The deputy minister confirmed the Welsh Government would work with local authorities and the childcare sector to provide childcare provision through the scheme, with a focus on supporting the “most disadvantaged” communities.

Mrs Morgan also pledged to “significantly increase the availability of Welsh medium childcare” over the next two years and said: “The phased expansion of Flying Start will take place alongside a package of measures, which I originally announced in September, to support existing Welsh-medium settings and childcare workers and those wanting to enter the children’s workforce.”