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The Welsh Government’s Flying Start programme has exceeded its targets, according to the Deputy Minister for Social Services.

Julie Morgan MS announced the programme, which aims to expand early years provision to all two-year-olds in disadvantaged areas in Wales, reached 3,178 children in its first phase – 600 more than originally planned.

In a statement, Mrs Morgan said: “We know high-quality learning and care in early years supports child development and plays an important role in preparing children for school.

“I am delighted even more children have been able to benefit from the first phase of the expansion of Flying Start than we originally aimed.

“This is a testament to the work of local authorities, NHS and the childcare sector to extend Flying Start services and to provide high-quality provision – particularly in those communities facing the greatest challenges.”

The first phase began in September 2022 and provided access to free childcare, an enhanced health visiting service, parenting programmes and support related to children’s communication. 

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

Plaid Cymru Designated Member Siân Gwenllian said: “Over the next two years the Flying Start programme will support more than 9,500 extra two-year-olds thanks to a further £46m investment. 

“This is in addition to the Childcare Offer, which provides 30 hours of funded childcare for 48 weeks a year for working parents and those in education and training with children aged three and four.”

What does this mean for Caerphilly County Borough?

In Caerphilly, phase one was made available for 172 children. 

Caerphilly’s Labour Senedd member, Hefin David, said: “It’s excellent to see how well the expansion of Flying Start is going in Wales and especially amongst local communities like Caerphilly Borough. 

“These opportunities are very important for children to build a catalogue of social and emotional experiences, in preparation for school, education and life in general.

“I’m really pleased that even more children will begin to benefit from this programme over the next two years, thanks to a further £46 million investment by Welsh Government. 

“This is very important for our youngest generation, particularly in poorer areas where children and families need a little more support.”

Phase two, which started in April, will focus on free childcare only and is available in more areas across the borough including Bargoed, Blackwood, Aberbargoed, Pengam and Pontllanfraith.

Some places, like 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, previously told Caerphilly Observer the lack of access has always been “a complaining point” – but now access is available residents are thankful.

A spokesperson for Caerphilly County Borough Council previously 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.

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