Almost £100m boost for childcare in Wales
The funding from the Welsh Government comes from a cooperation agreement between Labour and Plaid Cymru
Almost £100 million pounds is being made available to boost childcare in Wales.
The Welsh Government funding follows a Labour and Plaid Cymru co-operation agreement.
The funding will be used to improve childcare availability, boost Welsh language provision and fund free part-time places.
£26m will pay for the expansion of part-time Flying Start childcare; £70m for improvements and maintenance to all childcare settings and £3.8m to support Welsh language provision.
It's part of a phased plan to expand childcare to all two-year-olds in Wales.
Deputy Minister for Social Services Julie 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.”
Plaid Cymru Designated Member Siân 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.”