Local Labour AM Jeff Cuthbert is delighted that new figures show that more children and families in Caerphilly County Borough are participating in Flying Start. 2,121 children are being helped by the scheme, which is about giving youngsters the best possible start in life in.
The increase means that the Welsh Government is well on its way to meeting its 2011 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.
The Welsh Government investment is in stark contrast to the UK Government’s massive cuts to early years support, with the closure of 500 Sure Start centres across England since 2010.
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.”
Jeff Cuthbert AM said “This is great news for people in some of our poorest communities. Flying Start can make a real difference to children’s lives and I am delighted that the Welsh Government recognises the importance of such investment.”
