“Phased introduction” of Welsh Government’s free childcare scheme to launch across parts of Wrexham

A ‘ground-breaking” childcare scheme offering 30 hours a week of government funded early education will begin in Wrexham this September.

The Welsh Government initiative is currently available in Anglesey, Gwynedd, Caerphilly, Flintshire, Rhondda Cynon Taff, Swansea and Blaenau Gwent.

However Minister for Children, Huw Irranca-Davies, has announced that a further seven local authorities across Wales will pilot the scheme from September 2018 – including a phased introduction in Wrexham.

When rolled out across Wales by September 2020, the offer will provide 30 hours of Welsh Government-funded early education and childcare to working parents of three and four year olds for 48 weeks of the year.

In Wrexham the following areas have been chosen to take part in the pilot scheme:

– Llay
– Gwersyllt East and South, Gwersyllt North, Gwersyllt west
– New Broughton
– Coedpoeth
– Ponciau
– Gresford East and west
– Rossett
– Marford and Hoseley
– Holt
– Bronington
– Overton
– Brymbo

Minister for Children, Older People and Social Care, Huw Irranca-Davies said: “Our ground-breaking childcare offer is making a real difference to parents right across Wales, reducing the strain on family income and helping ensure childcare is not a barrier to them taking up employment or increasing their hours.

“I’m delighted to confirm the offer is being rolled out to seven more local authorities across Wales, as we continue the work to roll out the offer across the entire country by September 2020.”

Wrexham’s Assembly Member, Lesley Griffiths added: “This was one of Welsh Labour’s key commitments and I welcome the progress that is being made.

“Families from Wrexham will benefit from the latest phase and I believe this pioneering childcare policy will make a tangible and positive difference to parents’ lives.”

We have contacted Wrexham Council for comment and are awaiting further information.