Kirsty Williams MS, Minister for Education and Julie Morgan MS, Deputy Minister for Health and Social Services
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
In 2019 the Welsh Government undertook a pilot project, in partnership with Flintshire County Council, to test the impact of a consistent funding rate for early education and childcare within the Childcare Offer for Wales.
Following an independent evaluation of the pilot, we are pleased to announce from January 2021 we will be making additional funds available to local authorities to enable them to increase funding to the non-maintained sector to align with the current Welsh Government funding rate for childcare (£4.50) within the Childcare Offer. To ensure equity across Wales we will apply a standard formula to the funding.
This funding will help give the sector greater sustainability. We believe this is especially important after a difficult 2020 where the role of the sector has been absolutely critical in our fight against the pandemic and in supporting our children and critical workers. This decision also reflects our commitment to maintain high quality care and education provision by continuing to give children the very best start in life and supporting parents.
Taking steps to align Foundation Phase Nursery and childcare funding rates under the Childcare Offer clearly demonstrates the equal value the Welsh Government places on early education and good quality childcare.
Looking to the future, this funding will also ensure we have a strong foundation on which to build our vision of an early childhood education and care system ensuring that we create a single, high-quality, child-centred approach.