Welsh Government
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New plan to improve opportunities for children announced
‘Building a Brighter Future: Early Years and Childcare Plan’ is the first plan of its kind published by the Welsh Government and sets out its commitment to improving life chances for children in Wales.
The plan addresses children’s and family services for children from 0 up to the age of seven, when they reach the end of their Foundation Phase.
Early childhood experiences are critically important for children’s long-term development and achievements in later life.
Actions for the 12 months ahead include:
- More support and encouragement for parents to be involved in their children’s learning
- Developing a more consistent approach to tracking a child’s development
- Supporting two pilot projects to increase childcare provision by providing advice and support to new business starts
- Ensuring healthier meals are available in schools
- Offering seasonal flu vaccinations to two and three year olds.
Communities and Tackling Poverty Minister, Jeff Cuthbert, Minister for Education and Skills, Huw Lewis, and the Deputy Minister for Tackling Poverty, Vaughan Gething, visited Greenway Primary School in Rumney, Cardiff to discuss the plan with teachers and pupils.
Minister for Communities and Tackling Poverty, Jeff Cuthbert said:
“Our goal is that by the time a child is seven they will have the right foundations for good health, are actively engaged in learning and are equipped with the skills to reach their full potential.
“Reducing poverty is central to the Welsh Government. At the centre of this plan is our aim of reducing the gap between the most and least disadvantaged children in Wales so they get the right start in life.”
Minister for Education and Skills, Huw Lewis, said:
“No one factor is key to improving a child’s chances in life; it is experiences over time that matter. However, we do know though that there are three important elements: a good early years home learning environment; a good quality pre-school; and an effective primary school. To support this, and to accompany the launch of the plan, today I am announcing £900,000 to support early years learning which will make a difference to young people's lives.
“Getting it right in the early years is essential to a child’s achievements and future life chances. That’s why we’re currently looking at how we can strengthen our Foundation Phase to ensure it’s being implemented in the best possible way.”
Progress in completing the plan’s action points and achieving its results will be assessed annually. The Plan will be reviewed in 2016.
