Extending Flying Start provision in Gwynedd

At a recent meeting Cyngor Gwynedd's Cabinet approved plans to extend free childcare for two-year-olds to more areas within the county, and to expand Flying Start provision in Penygroes.

These plans mean that up to approximately 200 additional children of pre-school age in some of the most deprived areas of Gwynedd will benefit from free childcare. 

The Flying Start programme is currently established in seven communities in Gwynedd and supports families with children aged 0-4 years by offering an intensive health visitor service, family support, language and speech support, and 12.5 hours of free childcare for two-year-olds.  This decision means that more families in the Penygroes community will receive these services.

In addition, eleven communities will benefit from the scheme by receiving free childcare for two-year-olds.

Here are the communities / wards that will benefit from the scheme:

• Tywyn
• Harlech
• Llandderfel and Llanuwchllyn
• Penrhyndeudraeth
• Efailnewydd / Buan
• Aberdaron/Botwnnog/ Tudweiliog
• Cricieth
• Waunfawr
• Llanberis
• Arllechwedd
• Porthmadog West

 

As part of the expansion of Flying Start provision in Dyffryn Nantlle, in recent months a brand-new modular building has been developed on the Ysgol Bro Lleu site in Penygroes. The new childcare facility has been developed using funding from the Welsh Government's Childcare and Early Years capital programme – a capital programme that supports new childcare projects and the maintenance and improvement of the existing childcare and Flying Start infrastructure.

Councillor Menna Trenholme, Cyngor Gwynedd's Cabinet Member for Children and Supporting Families, and Councillor Craig ab Iago, Penygroes Local Member recently had the opportunity to visit the new facilities at Ysgol Bro Lleu. 

Councillor Menna Trenholme said:

"It was great to have the opportunity to visit the site, chat with the children and appreciate the new resources and facilities that are now available at Plant y Nant, Ysgol Bro Lleu. 

"I'm delighted that the Cabinet has supported the expansion of the scheme – it's good news for the children and families of Penygroes, but also for some of the most deprived areas of the county." 

The Managers of the childcare provision Plant y Nant said:

"We are extremely grateful for the investment in Penygroes, which gives us a unique opportunity to expand our services and provide more opportunities for children and families in our community.

"This support not only strengthens our commitment but also enhances our ability to make a meaningful impact on the lives of the families in Dyffryn Nantlle.

"We look forward to creating new memories, fostering growth, and nurturing every child's potential in a vibrant and welcoming environment."

On receipt of the Welsh Government offer (Children and Communities Grant for Flying Start) over £4 million will be available annually for the next three years.

Councillor Nia Jeffreys, Leader of Cyngor Gwynedd, added:

"Having access to good childcare locally can make a world of difference to a child's development. This is not the first time that the Council's Cabinet has endorsed supporting Flying Start schemes, and over the years we have seen purpose-built spaces being developed to help families with early years childcare in Deiniolen, Tywyn and Penygroes.

"Schemes like this lay a solid foundation for a child's school life but also tackle deprivation and increase the provision of Welsh-medium childcare within the county.  I look forward to seeing more children and families in Gwynedd benefit from the scheme, and the positive impact it will have on their future."

The Flying Start scheme is run locally in Gwynedd by the Council's Children and Supporting Families Department.

For more information about the Flying Start scheme in Gwynedd and to check eligibility please visit the website: Help to pay for childcare