Communities and Tackling Poverty Minister, Lesley Griffiths, is launching an ambitious new £10.9m scheme to help unemployed parents into work or training by helping them with childcare costs.

Parents, Childcare and Employment will cover the cost of childcare while parents undertake training to gain the skills they need to get a job.

Backed by Welsh Government and EU funds, the scheme will be delivered across each local authority in Wales and is expected to help 6,400 economically inactive parents, aged over 25, into work or training over the next three years.

Once fully operational, the scheme will employ 43 Parent Employment Advisers. Examples of the support the programme will offer parents include:

•     covering the cost of childcare for parents who are attending work experience, education or training
•     meeting childcare setting costs for 2–4 weeks before parents start work to help settle children into the childcare setting
•     identifying existing childcare provision in the local area – for example, identifying whether families are eligible for the 15 free hours of Flying Start childcare
•     supplying a free mobile crèche where appropriate
•     offering free childcare taster sessions
•     establishing childminding hubs in areas where there is a need for such provision.

Communities and Tackling Poverty Minister, Lesley Griffiths, said: “Many parents say the biggest barrier stopping them from undertaking training or getting a job is the cost of childcare.

“We have listened to their concerns and this is why we are launching this scheme today which will help thousands of people achieve their aspirations and escape from poverty.”