- 28/09/2018
- Posted by: Lesley Griffiths MS
- Category: News
Parents across Wrexham will be eligible to access free childcare from January next year.
The Welsh Labour Government are increasing the pace of the rollout of their flagship childcare policy, which is already available to parents living in certain areas of the town.
The Childcare offer – one of the most generous in the UK – provides 30 hours a week of government-funded early education and childcare to working parents of 3 and 4 year olds for up to 48 weeks of the year.
It is in the process of being introduced nationwide in phases. In June, twelve areas across Wrexham were selected to take part in the next stage of the implementation. Eligible parents living in areas such as Gresford, Gwersyllt, Holt, Llay, Marford and Rossett have been able to benefit from the pioneering policy since the beginning of September.
In a statement to Assembly Members this week, the Welsh Government has outlined its intention to increase the pace of the national rollout. Locally, Flintshire Council has taken the lead and is already delivering the childcare offer across its entire authority. Wrexham Council officials are working closely with Flintshire colleagues to deliver the offer in the selected wards, ‘with a view to rolling out full authority by January 2019.’
Wrexham AM Lesley Griffiths said: This childcare offer, which was one of Welsh Labour’s key manifesto commitments, will make a tangible and positive difference to parents’ lives, helping reduce the strain on family income and enabling parents to return to work.”
“The Welsh Government envisages the scheme to be available nationwide by September 2020 so I am pleased parents in Wrexham will reap the rewards sooner rather than later.”
