Communities and Children Secretary Carl Sargeant today joined children in Swansea to celebrate ten years of the Welsh Government’s Flying Start programme.
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
The Cabinet Secretary was invited to the Disney themed Teddy Bears Picnic at the National Waterfront Museum along with around 3,000 children and their families who have been supported by Flying Start. The event involved a range of activities such as circus tricks, messy play and face mask making as well as activities to promote healthy eating, immunisation and fire safety.
Flying Start is the Welsh Government’s targeted early years programme for families with children under 4 years of age living in some of the most disadvantaged areas of Wales. It provides free, quality, part-time childcare for 2-3 year olds; an enhanced health visiting service; access to parenting support; and support for speech language and communication.
Communities and Children’s Secretary Carl Sargeant said:
“I enjoyed myself very much at the Teddy Bears’ picnic. It is an excellent example of how Flying Start supports families living in some of the most disadvantaged communities across Wales through activities that are fun for all but also help children’s development and provide advice and support.
"Flying Start has been a very successful programme over the last decade, helping an increasing number of families every year and a total of over 38,000 in 2015-16.
"I am particularly pleased to see the difference the programme has been making to families’ lives over the last ten years. Teachers have been telling us for some time they can clearly see the beneficial effect Flying Start has on children, preparing them for the challenges and opportunities they face as they get older.
“Along with other programmes like Families First and our flagship Foundation Phase, we are giving children in Wales the very best start in life.”