Government-funded childcare available for all two year olds

Funded childcare for two year olds is set to become available throughout the whole of Denbighshire from September.

Children will receive twelve and a half hours of funded childcare during the school term at a registered setting.

This childcare provision can be used from the school-term after a child’s second birthday, until the school-term after their third birthday.

The application window is currently open and closes on the 10th August.

Once submitted, applications will then be assessed following the closing date, with parents being notified of outcomes from 11 September.

Applications can be made on the page on the following link: www.denbighshire.gov.uk/flying-start-childcare

The scheme currently covers most of the county, with Corwen,Denbigh, Dyserth, Henllan, Llangollen, Meliden, Prestatyn, Rhuddlan and Rhyl in the current catchment area. This latest roll-out will now ensure that the whole county is covered by this scheme.

The expansion is possible following additional funding announced in the Welsh Government’s supplementary budget. 

A spokesperson for the Flying start and Families First team said: “We are really pleased to announce that this childcare programme will be available throughout the whole of Denbighshire from September.

"Providing an invaluable resource to families throughout the county, all of our two year olds will be offered twelve and a half hours funded childcare during school-term at a registered setting, with more settings now being offered as a result of this latest roll out.

"I'd like to urge residents in the new eligible areas to please apply via the page on the council’s website.”

Councillor Diane King, Lead Member for Education, Children and Families said: “This expansion of childcare provision will mean that all areas in Denbighshire are now covered.

"Families throughout the county can now apply to get access to the free childcare provision for children aged 2 years old, which is a massive help for parents and families, providing an essential childcare provision during term-time.”

Deputy First Minister and Minister responsible for childcare, Sioned Williams, said: "This is excellent news and shows how we are accelerating our commitments to provide more support for families. Childcare costs in Wales are the highest in the UK and I am determined to help lower costs for families in all parts of Wales, while also ensuring children can access the best start in life, to support their development.

"We will continue to work closely with local authorities across Wales to ensure all families can benefit from more affordable and accessible childcare."