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Flying Start helps families with young children in the most disadvantaged areas, offering high quality, funded, part-time childcare for children aged two to three living in those areas. If needed, this includes parenting support; enhanced health visitor support; and support for speech, language and communication.

The extension of the Flying Start programme is part of a phased expansion of the childcare element of the early years provision to all two-year-olds in Wales.

Neath Port Talbot Council’s Early Years & Flying Start Team surpassed its target of supporting 251 two-year-olds by registering more than 300 children into the scheme. The team engaged with childcare providers across the county borough to ensure the scheme was available at various settings and childminders, offering more choice and access for families. As a result of this, an additional 17 childcare providers now provide Flying Start childcare placements to families in Neath Port Talbot.

Councillor Nia Jenkins, Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet Member for Education & Early Years, said: “High-quality provision in the early years supports and enhances child development and plays a vital role in preparing children for school.

“We are extremely proud of the hard work and dedication of our team and the collaboration with childcare providers that has made this possible.

“Neath Port Talbot Council is committed to providing every child with the best start possible in life.”

To find out if you are eligible for Flying Start, or to find out what help you could get with childcare costs, please visit: https://beta.npt.gov.uk/housing-and-benefits/help-with-the-cost-of-living/childcare-costs/