More Swansea kids benefitting from Flying Start scheme

Local Labour AM Mike Hedges has today welcomed new figures out showing a strong rise in the number of Swansea children and families benefitting from the Welsh Government’s flagship Flying Start programme as a result of increased investment.

Figures out today show that 2,149 Swansea children are now being helped under the scheme – an increase of 657 from last year’s figure of 1,492.

Flying Start offers eligible parents free, quality childcare for children under the age of four as well as parenting support, an enhanced health visitor service and help with their children’s early language development.

The increase in the number of children benefiting from the scheme means that the Welsh Government is well on track towards delivering on its key manifesto pledge of doubling the number of Flying Start children from 18,000 to 36,000 by the end of this Assembly term.

Welcoming today’s figures, Swansea East AM Mike Hedges said:

“Giving our children the best start in life is what every parent wants, and that’s just what the Flying Start programme is helping to deliver on.

“Since its roll-out, Flying Start has made a real difference to thousands of young children and families throughout Swansea, which is why I’m pleased to welcome today’s figures showing that the additional investment is paying off and that more of our children are getting access to that flying start in life they deserve.”

The Welsh Government’s Deputy Minister for Tackling Poverty, Vaughan Gething, added:

“Flying Start is a vital service for thousands of families in some of our most deprived communities.  The engagement of parents and the hard work of Flying Start staff is making a real difference to the lives of children, helping to give them the best possible start in life. 

“I am often told by teachers that they can immediately see the difference Flying Start has made to children starting school.  As the minister responsible for Flying Start I am determined to continue to improve the programme to maximise the benefit to children and families.”