The Welsh Government has confirmed that Wrexham will be the next area where all two-year-olds become eligible for 12.5 hours of free childcare per week. This follows similar rollouts in Merthyr Tydfil and Newport, where families can already access the offer through their local councils.
£55m Funding Package Announced
A total of £55 million in funding has been unveiled, including support for extending funded childcare to more two-year-olds across Wales. Additionally, £10 million in capital funding will be used to enhance and expand childcare settings, aiming to improve the quality, capacity, and accessibility of early years provision.
Pathway to Generous Childcare Offer
The funding marks a significant step toward the new Welsh Government's commitment to provide 20 hours of funded care per week for all children aged nine months to four years old. At full rollout, this will be the most generous childcare offer anywhere in the UK.
The party previously collaborated with Labour on a childcare pledge as part of their co-operation agreement in the sixth Senedd. Under Labour, free part-time childcare was being delivered through expansion of the existing Flying Start Childcare programme.
Deputy First Minister's Statement
Deputy First Minister for Wales Sioned Williams said: "This investment shows we are accelerating our commitments to the families of Wales. Childcare costs in Wales are the highest in the UK and I am determined to help families all over Wales, while also supporting children's development.
"I'm particularly pleased that Wrexham is now expanding its childcare offer to all two-year-olds, and we will continue to work closely with local authorities across Wales to roll this out everywhere. This is spending with purpose, with every pound working harder for Wales."
Steering Group and Future Plans
The details released today indicate that a steering group, titled "expansion of childcare," will advise on the phased rollout, focusing on workforce planning, digital applications, and improving access for all families. Plaid Cymru has faced criticism for not revealing the cost or details of its plans to provide 20 hours of funded care per week for all children aged nine months to four years.
