Flying Start is a programme that offers additional support and opportunities to families with children under 4 years old who live in specific communities across Gwynedd.
Its aim is to support parents and give children the best possible start in their early years.
Communities that are part of Flying Start
Flying Start supports families living in specific areas of Gwynedd, including Bangor, Bethesda, Caernarfon, Deiniolen, Dyffryn Nantlle, Blaenau Ffestiniog and Dolgellau.
As eligibility for support through the programme depends on your postcode, please use the postcode checker below to see whether you are eligible for support from Flying Start.
Flying start offers
Health visitors
Health visitors are able to spend more time with individual families, offering support with parenting and child development. The wider team provides:
Parenting courses
Groups such as baby massage
Health‑promotion sessions.
Speech, language and communication
Early Years and Play Development Officers offer:
One‑to‑one sessions at home or in Flying Start settings
Group sessions to support language, communication and play skills.
Parenting support
Specialist officers provide:
Family support packages
One‑to‑one sessions in the home
Guidance on practical matters such as household routines
Group sessions such as The Incredible Years and Nurture Links.
Flying Start Childcare
Flying Start offers up to 12.5 hours of free childcare for 2 – 3 year old children during the 3 school terms. Children can start the term following their 2nd birthday.
Child's birthday
The child can start childcare from:
1 September to 31 December
Start after Christmas break
1 January to 31 March
Start after Easter break
1 April to 31 August
Start after Summer break
There are 16 Flying Start child care providers in Gwynedd
My name is Lowri Ogwen and I have completed an NVQ level 5 in Childcare as well as graduated with a BA in Early Years. I have worked in the childcare field for 19 years working in different nurseries and schools, but have now been working at Caban Cegin for a few years. I enjoy watching children be creative, enthusiastic and reach their full potential.
My name is Nicola Hughes and I have an NVQ Level 4 qualification in Early Years Care and Education. I have worked in the childcare field for 25 years working as an assistant at Maesincla School before moving on to become Cylch Maesincla’s Leader. I enjoy seeing the children learn and develop through fun and educational activities with our enthusiastic and energetic staff.
My name is Karen Evans and I have a Level 5 Leadership and Management qualification in Children's Care, Learning and Development. I have worked in the childcare field for 19 years working as a 1-to-1 teaching assistant, Vice Leader and Leader in several different Playgroups. I enjoy seeing all the children enjoy learning outdoors and developing language skills through play.
My name is Rhian and i have a Level 5 qualification in Leadership for children’s care, learning and development. I have been working in the childcare sector for the last 16 years. I started my journey working as an assistant in Cylch Meithrin Felinheli and after some time there, became the leader of the Cylch. After a period of staying at home raising a family, I got a leadership position in Cylch Meithrin Llanberis before becoming the manager of Meithrinfa Plas Pawb. I am delighted to be in the children’s company and to see them grow and develop during their time in our care here at Plas Pawb.
My name is Natalie. I have a Level 3 in Childcare and in the process of completing Level 5 in Leading and Managing Care, Play and Child Development. I have been working here in Cylch Meithrin Talysarn for 3 years and keen to develop my professional skills. I love working with children an supporting them from day to day. Seeing children learning through play gives me great pleasure. I am very happy to be a part of their learning journey.
My name is Catrin and I am the leader here at Cylch Meithrin Carmel. I have a Level 3 in Childcare, Learning & Development as well as a Foundation Degree in Childhood Studies and Support Services. I am also a mother to 4 small girls. I'm passionate about helping children grow and learn through play, and I love giving them the best possible experiences in a happy, safe, and caring environment. Seeing kids gain confidence, develop new skills, and enjoy their time at the nursery fills me with pride.
My name is Saran Japheth. I have a level 3 qualification in Childcare and development. I completed the course while working at the Cylch an received the Learner of the Year award. I have now moved on to complete the level 5 course. I enjoy working with the children every day and watching then develop their skills and form new friendships within the Cylch. I enjoy providing new experiences for the children and watching them develop and become independent.
My name is Bethan Jones and I have a Bachelor's Degree in Education. I have worked in childcare for 21 years working as a supply teacher as well as working in many different Playgroups. I enjoy doing different activities with the children, giving them different experiences and watching them develop educationally and socially.
My name is Lyn Morris and I have a CACHE Level 3 qualification, Diploma in Childcare and Education. I have worked in childcare for 19 years and have done numerous different courses such as Child Protection, Food Safety, Makaton and many more. I enjoy watching the children learn different skills such as language skills.
My name is Lois Williams and I have an NVQ Level 5 in Childcare. I have worked in childcare for 9 years working as a 'Nanny' and working in two different day nurseries before moving on to work at Cylch Cefnfaes. I enjoy knowing that I have made a difference to the lives of the children who attend the Cylch and enjoy seeing the children develop during their time at the Cylch.
My name is Zoe Roberts. I have been working with children for over 18 years now. I started in a Nursery in Bangor before coming to work at Meithrinfa Ogwen 9 years ago and working my way up to being the manager. For the last 2 years, I have been the manager at Caban Ogwen which has been accepting Flying Start Children since September 2022. My interests include keeping fit. Going out to eat and socialising with friends and family over the weekend.
My name is Shannon Roberts. I have a level 6 degree in early childhood studies.
I have worked at Meithrinfa O Law i Law for the past two years. During my time here I've been fortunate to attend various courses and better my knowledge within the early years sector. For the past year i have been the room leader, i am eager to aid in children’s development and love to watch them develop whilst learning through play.
Location: Y Caban, Ysgol Maenofferen, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Gwynedd, LL41 3DL. Opening hours: Monday to Friday 9am-11:30am and 12:30pm- 3pm Phone: 07584 627210 E-mail:arweinyddllechi@outlook.com
My name is Sioned Rutigliano and I have a Level 3 Diploma in Childcare Development. I have worked in the childcare field for 3 years but have taken a break over the last few years to raise my children whilst also working as a pub manager. I enjoy watching the children learn new things and seeing their brains develop through play.
My name is Elin Jones. I have a Level 3 and Level 5 qualification i Child Care. I have worked in a nursery setting for 8 years with children from 3 months old up to 8 years old. I have started in Cylch Meithrin Deiniolen since September 2023 and enjoy seeing the children develop, and getting them ready for Primary School. It’s lovely to see the Cylch open again after it being closed for so long.
Location: Cylch Meithrin Tregarth, Tanrhiw Road, Tregarth, Bangor, Gwynedd. LL57 4AW Opening hours: Dydd Llun i Dydd Gwener 8:30am-1pm Contact number: 07770 039778 E-mail: cylchmeithrintregarth@yahoo.co.uk
Leader: Courtney Aldcroft
My name is Courtney and I have been working in the Cylch for approximately 3 years and have been the leader over a year now. I have two sons aged 8 and 4 years and I have recently got married. I have worked in Childcare for over 11 years and i really enjoy working with children. Watching them grow and develop with our support in something that gives me a lot of satisfaction.
