30 hours a week free child care to be piloted in RCT

Cynon Valley AM Vikki Howells has welcomed the announcement by Welsh Government Children’s Minister Carl Sargeant AM that Rhondda Cynon Taf will be one of the six local authorities chosen to pilot the Welsh Government’s new childcare offer.

The offer is the most generous childcare policy for working parents in the UK and will provide 30 hours of free childcare provision to 3 and 4 year olds. A pilot scheme will run from September 2017, and Rhondda Cynon Taf has been chosen to be a part of this initial project.

Vikki Howells AM has also encouraged Cynon Valley parents to respond to the Welsh Government’s Talk Childcare consultation, which aims to involve parents in developing the policy to make sure it meets local needs.

Vikki Howells AM said:-

‘I am delighted that RCT Council will be piloting Welsh Labour’s flagship free childcare policy.

‘The pledge from our manifesto, giving 3-4 year olds 48 weeks of free childcare a year if a parent works over 16 hours a week, will be the most generous package of childcare support available anywhere in the UK.

‘The model needs to be flexible and embrace existing and new provision. We already have a number of excellent childcare providers in Cynon Valley, and there are exciting plans for new initiatives such as Wales’ first ever outdoors kindergarten in Dare Valley Country Park.

‘I have also secured assurances from the Cabinet Secretary that our new childcare offer will complement and enhance the current nursery education provision offered in different schools in Cynon Valley and beyond, for example by providing childcare during school holidays.

‘From speaking to people in Cynon Valley, I know that this policy will make a real difference locally.’

More information on how to get involve with the Talk Childcare conversation, and help shape this important policy, can be found at http://gov.wales/topics/people-and-communities/people/children-and-young-people/parenting-support-guidance/childcare/talk-childcare/?lang=en.