Written question WQ97562
- Asked by
- Janet Finch-SaundersConservative
- To be answered by
- Cabinet Secretary for Education
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 7 days
Question
What assessment has the Cabinet Secretary made of the availability of childcare during the current academic year?
Answer
Answered by Cabinet Secretary for Education
Responsibility for childcare sits within the Minister for Children and Social Care’s portfolio. However, we work collaboratively across portfolios to support early years and childcare provision.
The Childcare Sufficiency Assessment process, managed by local authorities according to the Childcare Act 2006, is currently being reviewed to determine its effectiveness in meeting the needs of families in Wales. The Welsh Government provides overall guidance and oversight for the Childcare Sufficiency Assessment (CSA) process to ensure alignment with national priorities and statutory requirements. It also examines CSA submissions, gives feedback, and distributes funding to address gaps in childcare provision.
Recent enhancements to the Childcare Offer and Flying Start programme include an increase in the hourly rate to £6.40 and extended eligibility for parents pursuing education and training, thereby improving the affordability and flexibility of childcare. The Flying Start programme is set to expand its support to more children with Merthyr Tydfil as the first local authority to provide universal access for two-year-olds. Both initiatives aim to further accessibility and affordability, particularly within disadvantaged communities.