Press Release: EXTRA BOOST OF EARLY YEARS EDUCATION IN NEATH

- AM welcomes funding boost for childcare and early years education

THE YOUNGEST children in Neath are set to benefit from the Labour-led Welsh Assembly Government’s extra investment in early years education and childcare.

Neath Labour AM Gwenda Thomas has welcomed Welsh Labour Education Minister Jane Hutt’s announcement that £45 million extra has been set aside for the innovative new education scheme for all 3 – 7 year olds’ in Wales.

The 'Foundation Phase' is a new approach to teaching the youngest children based on learning through play, active involvement and practical activities. The extra £45 million will allow the roll out of the scheme across Neath Port Talbot from September next year.

Funds for the Flying Start childcare scheme will increase by £8 million over the next three years. Flying Start provides high quality free childcare for two year olds – and allows parents to save money and keep working – and the extra money will allow a 10% increase in the number of childcare places.

An additional £3m over the next three years will be made available to meet the requirements of the Childcare Act 2006, which comes into force in April 2008. This funding will enable local authorities to research and map the availability of childcare available to decide what interventions are necessary. In addition, an extra £4.2m will be ring-fenced for community focussed schools over three years for out-of-hours childcare.

Neath AM GWENDA THOMAS said:

"The education and welfare of our youngest children is one of Welsh Labour's main priorities. This extra money is going to give the youngest children in my constituency the flying start in life that they deserve.

"Extra money for childcare is going to make a real difference in the lives of local families. I am delighted that more children will benefit from this scheme and that local mums will be able to keep their jobs or go back to work without worrying about paying for quality childcare.

"The new Foundation phase will offer a radical new learning experience for 3 – 7 year olds. International evidence shows that children do better if they start formal education later on and that children are put off learning altogether if they are tested too early.

"Welsh Labour’s Foundation phase will move early years education away from a rigid desk and blackboard style of teaching and place an emphasis on learning through play, both inside and outside.

"Active involvement and participation in learning improves children’s speaking and listening skills. Improving the personal and social skills of young children will encourage a more positive attitude towards learning throughout the rest of their school days and beyond.