Multi-million pound boost to Flying Start

The Welsh Labour Government’s drive to help children in the most deprived areas of Wales is to receive an £11 million funding boost so that more families benefit from the free scheme.

Deputy Minister for Tackling Poverty, Vaughan Gething, announced the extra money for the Flying Start scheme, which  aims to make a decisive difference to the lives of children in the most disadvantaged communities. 23,579 children currently use Flying Start and the Welsh Government want the scheme to cover 36,000 children and their families by the end of the Assembly term in 2016.

The Welsh Government is to invest £6 million of capital funding over the next two years to develop the facilities and infrastructure needed for the expansion. There is also additional funding of £5 million revenue in 2014-15 for the running costs of the programme.

Flying Start offers eligible parents free quality childcare for 2-3 year olds, parenting support, an enhanced health visitor service and help for early language development. It supports families to look after their children’s health and well being.