- 06/12/2018
- Posted by: Lesley Griffiths MS
- Category: News
Latest research suggests the Welsh Government’s flagship childcare offer is making a real difference to the lives of low income families.
Wrexham’s Assembly Member, Lesley Griffiths has welcomed the findings that suggest the policy is having a positive impact, resulting in more families having more money in their pockets and allowing them to take up more work or training.
The research shows that –
- 80% of the lowest earning parents in each household accessing the offer earn less than the average salary in Wales.
- 88% of surveyed parents reported having more disposable income as a result of accessing the offer, and
- 67% reported the offer gave them more opportunities to increase their future earnings.
The childcare offer – one of the most generous in the UK – provides 30 hours a week of government-funded early education and childcare to working parents of 3 and 4 year olds for up to 48 weeks of the year.
It is being introduced in phases nationwide. Since September, eligible parents living in twelve areas across Wrexham, including Gresford, Gwersyllt, Holt, Llay, Marford and Rossett, have been granted access to the scheme.
All remaining areas in Wrexham will be able to benefit from the policy from January 2019.
Lesley Griffiths AM said: “This policy was one of Welsh Labour’s key manifesto commitments and it is pleasing to see it starting to make a positive and tangible difference to parents’ lives across the country.”
“According to the research, many parents indicated the childcare offer had increased their disposable income, as well as granting them greater flexibility in the types of jobs they do and hours they work.”
“More than 3,300 children have benefited from the Welsh Labour Government’s childcare offer in its first year. This figure is certain to increase as from next month, every eligible parent in Wrexham will be able to reap the rewards of this ground-breaking policy.”
The research is available on the Welsh Government website & more information about the childcare offer can be found here
