AN additional 200 children are set to benefit from an expansion of Swansea’s popular Flying Start programme which makes a positive difference to the life chances of families that need it the most.
This will be the first phase of an expansion of early years provision in the city which is being funded by the Welsh Government and delivered by Swansea Council.
The Welsh Government has made a policy commitment to expand early years provision in Wales.
Swansea will see an additional 200 children aged between 0 to 4 years have access to Flying Start support, including up to 12.5 hours a week of quality, funded childcare for 2-year-olds until Foundation Phase Nursery entitlement begins; enhanced health visitor support; as well as support for speech, language, and communication and parenting.
Based on Welsh Government guidance, the local authority will target this phase of the expansion towards specific communities in Morriston, Clydach and Mynyddbach.
Future phased expansions of early years provision will aim to give all 2-year-olds access to up to 12.5 hours of funded childcare. The benefits include enhancing children’s development and enabling families to seek training and work to help them move out of poverty.
Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Support Hayley Gwilliam said:
“Flying Start is vital in helping some children catch-up and be ready for learning while also providing opportunities for their parents.
“Swansea Council is absolutely committed to providing every child in Swansea the best start possible in life and we are extremely grateful to our colleagues in Welsh Government for enabling us to expand this provision.”
In this first phase of the expansion all eligible families will, in due course, be contacted by their Health Visitor who will provide further information with regard to the range of services available including childcare.
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