Welsh childcare will be most generous in UK

Newly elected government aims to deliver 20 hours of funded childcare per week all children aged nine months to four years. 

Rhun ap Iorwerth, the new First Minister of Wales, and Deputy First Minister Sioned Williams, today shared their ambitious plans to expand funded childcare, while visiting an integrated children’s centre in Merthyr Tydfil. 

Photo courtesy of Welsh government

The First Minister and Deputy First Minister met staff, children and parents at Cwm Golau Integrated Children’s Centre in Pentrebachas part of their first visit as leaders of the Welsh government, following the Senedd election on May 7. While there, the First Minister was treated to a tea party by one of the children. 

In outlining his plans, the First Minister said that the Welsh government plans, over this Senedd term, to phase in 20 hours of funded childcare per week for up to 48 weeks a year, for all children aged from nine months to four years – leading up to them starting at school. This will mean, he said, that Wales offers the most generous childcare provision in the UK. 

The expansion is in part a response to the relatively high cost of childcare in Wales. The Welsh government is also keen to support parents and carers who want to get back to work, even part-time, as part of wider efforts to boost the Welsh economy. 

In addition, Welsh language provision will be expanded, giving every child a fair opportunity to learn  Cymraeg. 

First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth says: ‘Childcare costs in Wales are among the highest in the UK. We want to put money back into families’ pockets and support parents back into work. Our ambitious and transformational childcare offer will be the most generous in the history of devolution, and the most generous in the UK, helping boost household incomes, lift families out of poverty and give children the best start in life.’ 

Deputy First Minister Sioned Williams, whose remit includes childcare policy, adds: ‘Thousands of parents in Wales are working solely to cover the cost of childcare, and many cannot afford it at all. This needs to change. Access to affordable childcare unlocks opportunities and gives parents, especially mothers, the freedom to return to work, education or training. And most importantly, our expanded offer of high-quality childcare will give every child the head start they need to thrive.’ 

In related news:

‘Frankly barbaric’ A&E waits for children in mental health crisis 

Nottingham’s £21.2m crisis and resilience fund

‘The system is no longer delivering’: Child poverty rising among families