Plaid’s Chris Franks has called for improvements in childcare provision and more opportunities for training and development for child-minders. The South Wales Central AM made the call following a visit to a child-minding group in Barry.
The Plaid AM talked to members of the ‘Incy Wincy Child-minding group’ in Cadoxton, Barry about local issues they face. Mr Franks also highlighted Plaid priorities ahead of the Welsh election on Thursday May 5th.
On childcare Plaid is highlighting three policies:
· Improve training available for child-minders and nannies across Wales
· Expand the Flying Start programme, offering free children to thousands more children in Wales, increase provision through the medium of Welsh
· Ensure that local councils interpret planning guidance for home based childcare across Wales
Plaid Cymru AM Chris Franks said: “I would like to thank the group for allowing me to meet them and listen to the issues that matter to them. Following my visit I have written to the Vale of Glamorgan Council and Barry College raising a number of concerns such as access to libraries, and training provision for child-minders.
“In order for people to be able to work and earn a decent wage providing high quality, affordable childcare is essential, along with a good public transport. Wales needs Plaid in government so we can expand the Flying Start programme, offering free childcare to thousands more children in Wales, and increasing the provision through the medium of Welsh.
“With a stronger Assembly we have to make use of its full potential. As part of the Welsh government Plaid has shown what we can do to protect Wales during the difficult years and it is now time to do more. We want to ensure that accessible training for child-minders and nannies is available and that local councils interpret planning guidance for home based childcare consistently across Wales.
“In Plaid, we believe that we are all born with natural talents. Our children, regardless of their background or family income, should have the same opportunities to reach their potential and grow in skill and capacity. Plaid believes every child counts. We want to make sure that children leaving primary school are able to read, write and count to the expected standard.”
