As well as being recognised as vital to children’s development, the pandemic shone a spotlight on the role childcare plays in supporting the economy. A lack of affordable childcare is a major barrier to work, particularly for mothers. “A world class early years and childcare service that delivers for children while supporting parents to work” is considered key to achieving the Welsh Government’s aim to become a world leader in gender equality.

Ahead of the Senedd debating the Equality and Social Justice Committee (ESJ) report on childcare and parental employment, this article looks at how far along this journey Wales is, where the gaps are in childcare provision, and the Welsh Government’s future commitments.

Welsh Government funding for childcare support

The Welsh Government currently funds several types of childcare provision for different age groups, in different areas:

• All children in Wales are entitled to at least 10 hours per week Foundation Phase nursery care from the term after their third birthday until they start school full-time. In practice many local authorities offer more.
• Under the Welsh Government’s ‘Childcare Offer’, many working parents are eligible for 30 hours per week free childcare for 3 and 4 year olds for 48 weeks per year. The 30 hours is made up of a minimum of 10 hours of early education a week and a maximum of 20 hours a week of childcare.
• The Flying Start programme provides free childcare for parents of 2-3 year olds living in the areas...

Read Full Story: https://research.senedd.wales/research-articles/breaking-down-the-barriers-ch...