How have the areas been chosen?
Local Authorities are targeting expansion towards communities who are not already part of the Flying Start programme. Read when your child may become eligible for funding on gov.wales.
When can my child start childcare?
Funding is available from the term after their second birthday to the term after their third birthday
When can my child start childcare?
| My child has their second birthday between | Funding for childcare begins |
|---|
| 1 September – 31 December |
January |
| 1 January – 31 March |
April |
| 1 April – 31 August |
September |
How many hours is my child entitled to?
2.5 hours a day, 12.5 hours a week, Monday to Friday, term time only for up to 39 weeks of the year.
View Flintshire term dates
Is there any cost to me?
No, childcare sessions are paid for by Flying Start/Welsh Government.
Where can my child attend?
Funding is available at a Flying Start registered setting, this could be a childminder, cylchoedd, private day nursery or a playgroup.
Can my child go to a Welsh setting?
Yes, there are several cylchoedd in Flintshire. View the benefits of Welsh Medium childcare.
What does it mean to be a Flying Start registered setting?
A Flying Start setting must be high quality. This means they are registered and inspected by Care Inspectorate Wales and:
- Have experienced and highly qualified staff
- Are visited and supported by an Advisory Teacher
- Provide a caring and stimulating environment
What are the benefits of my child attending childcare?
Your child will have opportunities to:
- Play with other children
- Develop their skills in lots of different areas
- Play outdoors
- Become independent learners
- Speak and hear Welsh
- Have their individual needs met
- Have fun!
What if I am a working parent, can I still claim?
Yes, the primary objectives for expanding Flying Start are to ensure children get the best possible start in life, to tackle poverty and deprivation, and to increase the provision of childcare services and of Welsh medium childcare places and settings, but the provision of funded childcare places for two-year-olds may also enable parents to work or access training and education opportunities that may not have otherwise been possible. In addition, those who work full time can have some of their childcare costs paid through this provision, if their child attends a Flying Start registered childcare setting.