Almost £100m of funding has been allocated by the Welsh Government to improve childcare and fund free part-time places. The investment 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-year-olds 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 £100m provided; £26m will go towards the expansion of part-time Flying-Start childcare; £70m will go towards improvements and maintenance of childcare buildings and £3.8m will go towards improving Welsh-language provision.
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The announcement was made by deputy minister for social services Julie Morgan and Plaid Cymru designated member Siân 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.”
Ms Gwenllian said: "International evidence suggests that ensuring access to early years education and care is one of the most important steps we can take to give children the best start in life. By moving forward with the expansion of free childcare, as part of a phased approach to extend this to all two year olds, we can make a real difference to children’s formative years across Wales.
“Children learn and benefit so much from high quality childcare provision – what looks like simple play is actually an important educational experience where children learn and socialise in a supportive and nurturing environment. We look forward to continuing to work together with the Welsh Government to deliver this important commitment for all our communities.”
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