As a parent in Wales, finding good quality, affordable childcare has always been a challenge. For many families, the struggle to balance work and childcare costs remains a significant obstacle. Earlier this year, a report by the Bevan Foundation highlighted the crucial need to address this issue if we are serious about tackling poverty and inequality in Wales. However, recent comments from the Welsh Government have raised concerns that they might be pulling back on their previous commitments to improve childcare provision.
In November 2021, when the Labour-Plaid Cymru Co-operation Agreement was announced, there was a glimmer of hope. The agreement included a commitment to expand free childcare to all two-year-olds, a move that could have made a huge difference for many families. The plan was to phase in this expansion, beginning with the most deprived communities in 2022 and gradually rolling it out to all two-year-olds by 2025.
At first, things seemed to be on track. Phase 1 of the plan, which started in September 2022, provided 12.5 hours a week of funded childcare for children in Wales’ most deprived communities. Phase 2 followed in April 2023, with the aim of expanding the programme more widely by 2025. The final phase, due to start in April 2025, was supposed to extend this provision to all two-year-olds, regardless of their parents’ employment status.
However, recent developments have left many of us wondering if the Welsh Government is still committed to this expansion. In July 2024, the Equality and Social Justice Committee published a report on childcare provision in Wales. In response, the Welsh Government expressed continued commitment to the objective but also noted the financial difficulties they are facing. The statement that they are "not currently in a position to confirm any new developments to childcare" has raised alarm bells for many parents.
This lack of clarity is troubling. By the end of 2024/25, 60% of two-year-olds will have access to Flying Start (Childcare), but what about the remaining 40%? Without clear plans for the future, many families could be left without the support they were counting on.
The implications of this policy shift are far-reaching. As highlighted in the Bevan Foundation’s earlier report, there are already significant issues with childcare provision in Wales. From limited support for younger children to difficulties in accessing existing schemes, there’s a pressing need to reform the system. Any delay in expanding childcare provision means delaying the time when all children can access the quality, affordable care they deserve.
As a parent, it’s frustrating to see such a crucial issue being pushed to the back burner. It’s not just about providing care for our children—it’s about giving families the support they need to thrive. For now, all we can do is wait and hope that the Welsh Government will find a way to follow through on their promises.