Rebecca Evans AM, Assembly Member for Mid and West Wales, has welcomed the news that new figures show that more children and families across Mid and West Wales are participating in Flying Start. 4,754 children are being helped by the scheme across Mid and West Wales, which is about giving youngsters the best possible start in life.
The increase means that the Welsh Government is well on its way to meeting its manifesto pledge to double the number of Flying Start children from 18,000 to 36,000.
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.
Flying Start recognises that children’s early years are an important period and experiences at this time impact greatly on children’s future development – so it is very important to get it right.
Welcoming the news, Mrs Evans said: “This is excellent news. Flying Start can make a real difference to children’s lives and I am delighted that this Welsh Labour Government recognises the importance of such investment. With an increase of over 1,400 children now enrolled in the scheme in Mid and West Wales it is my hope the we can continue to improve the lives of more and more families in Wales.”
Vaughan Gething AM (Deputy Minister for Tackling Poverty) said: “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.”
