Childcare Offer Boost for North Wales

MORE than 3,200 children across North Wales are benefiting from the Welsh Government’s childcare offer with over 600 settings now providing it.

More than 3,200 children across North Wales are benefiting from the Welsh Government’s childcare offer with over 600 settings now providing it.

Facilities across North Wales have also benefited from over £24.8m investment in capital projects as a result of the offer, and over £2m has been invested in the region as part of the small grants available with the scheme.

The Welsh Government is committed to providing 30 hours of government-funded early education and childcare for up to 48 weeks of the year to all three and four year olds of eligible working parents.

Deputy Minister for Health Julie Morgan visited Caego Day Nursery in Wrexham to hear about their experiences of the offer.

Over 600 children in the Wrexham area have accessed the offer, with 17 children benefiting from it at Caego.

The nursery has also received £10,000 from the Childcare Offer small grants scheme to install a canopy and extend their outdoor play surface.

Julie Morgan said: “North Wales is really taking advantage of the Childcare Offer, with excellent take up figures across all local authority areas. It’s been a real pleasure to visit Caego Day Nursery which has also benefited from the offer’s small grants scheme further improving the facilities for the children.

“The Offer makes a real difference for working parents and ensures the cost of childcare is not a barrier for parents to return to work. It’s good news for the economy and for families across North Wales.”