£800,000 of Welsh Government funding has been allocated to 33 Flying Start projects across Wales to help them improve their facilities, Communities and Children Secretary Carl Sargeant announced yesterday, Thursday February 24 2017.

The funding, which has been awarded for this financial year (2016-17), will support a wide range of projects from the full refurbishments of several Flying Start buildings to replacing kitchen cupboards and broken fencing.

Flying Start supports families living in some of the most disadvantaged communities across Wales. It offers twelve and a half hours of high quality childcare a week for 2-3 year olds; support for the development of children’s speech, language and communication; parenting support; and an enhanced health visitor service.

Announcing the funding the Cabinet Secretary said:

“Giving children the best possible start in life is a top priority for the Welsh Government. Flying Start is a key early intervention programme, helping to improve children’s life chances and reducing the need for later remedial action. It is a useful tool in tackling adverse childhood experiences which can have a long-lasting impact on young people throughout their lives.

This is why we provide over £70 million a year in revenue funding to Local Authorities to deliver the scheme and why we have already provided £3m of capital funding this year alone to ensure the children have the best possible facilities. This extra £800,000 will ensure more children have a stimulating and exciting environment in which to play and learn.”