More families access free childcare through Flying Start
To date, more than 10,000 children have benefited from the scheme, surpassing the goal of reaching 9,500 additional children.
Dawn Bowden, minister for children and social care, said: "This significant expansion has exceeded our targets, bringing quality early years support to thousands more children.
"High quality early years provision helps to maximise child development outcomes and supports the best start in life.
"I'm immensely proud of our Flying Start workforce for making this possible as we work towards universal childcare for all two-year-olds."
Over the past two years, more than 13,400 children and families have been offered places, with 80 per cent taking up the offer in 2024-25.
Flying Start offers 12.5 hours of free, high-quality childcare each week for eligible two-year-olds.
The Welsh Government has invested an additional £25 million this year to expand the programme further, with a third phase expected to reach more than 4,000 additional children across Wales.
The scheme also supports the government's goal of reaching one million Welsh speakers by 2050, with more than 2,000 places in phase two taken up at Welsh-medium settings.
Mark Drakeford, cabinet secretary for finance and Welsh language, said: "It's encouraging to see more families choosing Welsh-medium childcare."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business News Wales
3 hours ago
- Business News Wales
Conwy Business Key Fund Offers Support of Up to £50,000
Businesses in Conwy are being encouraged to apply for funding of up to £50,000 as the Business Key Fund is relaunched. The £1 million fund aims to help local businesses deliver innovative, growth-focused projects that support sustainability and economic resilience in the county. Funded by the UK Government's Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), the scheme is being delivered through Conwy County Borough Council's Business Support team. The targeted support builds on the success of the previous Local Business Key Fund programme and focuses on enabling enterprises to overcome barriers to growth, whether through capital investment, skills development, or initiatives that promote economic impact and sustainability. One of the businesses that benefited from the fund last year is the Wild Horse Brewing Company in Llandudno. Founded in 2015 by Dave and Emma Faragher, the company is an independent brewery, specialising in craft ales and lagers. With all production done onsite, they supply over 150 pubs, restaurants, and retailers across Wales and beyond. David said: 'With support from the Supporting Local Business Key Fund, we installed a new solar energy system which now supplies over half the brewery's electricity needs. The investment is already cutting energy costs, has boosted our efficiency, and enabled us to reinvest in growth, sustainability, and local jobs here in Conwy.' Another local business that received support during the initial round is Blas ar Fwyd, a family Welsh food business that has been part of the Llanrwst high street for nearly 40 years. Nia Deiniol of the company said: 'The fund allowed us to re-open the café in Llanrwst following closure due to Covid, purchase new kitchen equipment as well as install green energy technology. Without this support we wouldn't have been able to invest in reducing our carbon footprint which has helped reduce our energy costs and secure much needed local jobs here in rural Conwy.' Councillor Nigel Smith, Cabinet Member for a Sustainable Economy, added: 'This is an exciting opportunity for businesses across Conwy to access significant funding that supports both economic development and growth and sustainability. Whether they have plans in place to expand operations or need support to give the business a boost, the Conwy Supporting Local Business Key Fund can help make it happen and by doing so contribute to the county's long-term community and economic development.' To discuss a potential project businesses should contact the Conwy Business Support team via business@
Business News Wales
3 hours ago
- Business News Wales
Legal Partnership to Help Hospitality Sector Reassess Covid Claims
Law firm Hugh James has partnered with UKHospitality to help its members access legal advice around Covid-related business interruption policies. The Cardiff-headquartered firm has already secured multiple victories for policyholders – rulings it describes as 'landmark' – and which it says open the door to reassessment for many businesses. It describes the hospitality and leisure sectors as among the hardest hit by the Covid-19 pandemic, with thousands of businesses faced with long closures, staff furloughs, and 'devastating' losses. Many were unable to claim on their business interruption insurance policies, but Hugh James says the rulings it has won to date mean that if a business' claim was previously denied, or never made at all, there may still be a strong case for compensation. The legal limitation period to bring claims is March 2026, but Hugh James will be closing its intake on 23 February 2026 to ensure every client's case can be properly assessed and progressed in time. The rulings Hugh James has worked on include: A High Court victory for a Michelin-starred Welsh restaurant, setting a precedent for businesses affected by closure and access restrictions. A £7.5 million arbitration win for hair and beauty salons across the UK under the 'Salon Gold' policy. A Court of Appeal judgment which clarified insurer obligations and opened the door for thousands of previously unsuccessful claims to be reassessed. The firm said: 'We've supported hundreds of clients across the hospitality and leisure sectors, from independent bars and pubs to national hotel chains and franchise gyms. Our success has come from detailed policy analysis, proactive litigation, and a deep understanding of sector-specific challenges.' A spokesperson for Why Not Bar, Cardiff, said: 'Without Hugh James, we wouldn't have known we had a valid claim. They helped us challenge the rejection, made the process stress-free, and delivered results.'
Business News Wales
3 hours ago
- Business News Wales
North Wales Clean Energy Infrastructure Project Gets Underway
North Wales Clean Energy Infrastructure Project Gets Underway The Cydnerth project, which will support the expansion of the Morlais tidal energy scheme, has moved into its construction phase, marking a major milestone for the North Wales low-carbon economy. Work has begun on-site at Parc Cybi, Holyhead, to strengthen the grid infrastructure for Morlais, a flagship tidal energy project run by local social enterprise, Menter Môn Morlais Ltd. Backed by the North Wales Growth Deal and funding from both the Welsh and UK Governments, the £16 million Cydnerth project will futureproof Morlais by increasing its grid capacity from 18MW to an eventual 240MW. Initial construction will involve the installation of underground cables to transmit clean electricity from the Morlais substation from the coast at Ynys Lawd (South Stack) to the national grid. Cllr. Gary Prichard, Leader of the Isle of Anglesey County Council and Lead Member for Low Carbon Energy Programme, said: 'This is a significant milestone for Morlais and North Wales. The project can now leverage Growth Deal funding to ensure its expansion, enabling economic opportunities, strengthening local supply chains and supporting local jobs. It will ensure North Wales is a key player in the future of tidal energy and clean electricity.' Andy Billcliff, Chief Executive of Menter Môn Morlais Ltd, added: 'This is an important and welcome step toward realising the full potential of Ynys Môn's tidal resources and establishing the area as a hub for sustainable energy. The work at Parc Cybi is crucial to that goal. As a local organisation, we're committed to delivering economic benefits for our community, while safeguarding the environment. We are grateful for Growth Deal support through Ambition North Wales which is essential as we progress Morlais.' North Wales-based Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK has secured the contract for the construction and cabling work for Cydnerth. Contracts Director for Jones Bros, Eryl Roberts, added: 'We're pleased to have been appointed to deliver Cydnerth, the next phase of infrastructure for Morlais, such an innovative renewable scheme right here on our doorstep here in North Wales. As with all our projects, we pride ourselves in providing local supply chain and employment opportunities and are excited to be working on site to deliver this important scheme.' Cydnerth is part of the North Wales Growth Deal's Low Carbon Energy Programme, which represents a £1 billion investment in the region's economy, with £240 million of this funded jointly by the Welsh and UK Governments. Rebecca Evans MS, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, said: 'The start of construction on the Cydnerth project represents another major milestone in North Wales' journey to becoming a renewable energy powerhouse. Backed by Welsh Government funding through the North Wales Growth Deal, this will unlock the full potential of Morlais tidal energy and demonstrates our unwavering commitment to the low-carbon transition. 'By increasing grid capacity from 18MW to 240MW, we're not just supporting clean energy generation – we're creating lasting economic opportunities and high-quality jobs for local communities.' Wales Office Minister Dame Nia Griffith said: 'It is great news that this major infrastructure project in Holyhead is now underway. The Cydnerth project helps cement North Wales's growing reputation as a clean energy hub. 'I'm delighted that UK Government funding is supporting the project and helping us deliver our clean energy and economic growth missions.'
