Our work informs Senedd debate on childcare

Bevan Foundation referenced extensively in Senedd debate on childcare

Wednesday, December 4th saw a lively debate in the Senedd on childcare. The debate gave members an opportunity to discuss a report published by the Equality and Social Justice Committee over the summer, and to hear from the Minister for Children and Social Care, Dawn Bowden MS about the Welsh Government’s plans.

The Bevan Foundation’s work was referenced extensively during the debate. Senedd Members from all four parties drew on the report we published jointly with the Joseph Rowntree Foundation in January 2024, Tackling disadvantage through childcare in Wales alongside our recent briefing, Childcare in Wales with members of the Expert Advisory Group on childcare.

Among the issues identified in our work that was raised by Senedd Members was the complexity of the current system and the gaps in provision. It was therefore encouraging to hear the Minister for Children and Social Care make clear statements in her response that if enacted upon, should start to get to grips with these challenges. Among the comments made by the Minister were:

• That her ambition is to develop a single system for all Welsh Government-funded childcare.
• That local authorities across Wales have been asked to start preparing their expansion plans for the next phase of the roll-out of Flying Start (Childcare) to ensure that there is an universal childcare offer for all two year olds. 

The Bevan Foundation will continue to work with members of the Expert Advisory Group on Childcare to develop a childcare system that works for all families in Wales, and looks forward to seeing further progress from the Welsh Government over the coming months.