Over £1m of Welsh Government funding has been allocated to 33 Flying Start projects across Wales to help them improve their facilities, Carl Sargeant announced today.
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
The funding for the 2017-18 financial year will support a wide range of projects from the full refurbishment of Flying Start buildings and the adaptation of empty premises to provide more space to smaller projects such as improving security and IT equipment.
Flying Start supports families living in some of the most disadvantaged communities across Wales. It offers twelve and a half hours of high quality childcare a week for 2-3 year olds; support for the development of children’s speech, language and communication; parenting support; and an enhanced health visitor service.
Announcing the funding the Cabinet Secretary said:
“Giving children the best possible start in life is a top priority for the Welsh Government. Flying Start is a key programme, aimed at helping to improve children’s life chances and reducing the need for interventions later on. It is one of a number of programmes that help mitigate adverse childhood experiences which can have a long-lasting impact on children and individuals throughout their lives.
“This is why we provide over £70 million a year in revenue funding to Local Authorities to deliver the scheme and why I am announcing over £1m of capital funding to ensure the children have the best possible environment in which to play and learn.”