Little people get a flying start

A new childcare centre in Swansea is giving children a flying start in life and enabling parents to access training and employment opportunities too.

Pontarddulais Little People Flying Start, based at Pontarddulais Primary school, has been funded by the Welsh Government as part of its flagship programme for early years.

Run by Swansea Council, the new facility provides quality part-time childcare for eligible two and three year olds, an enhanced Health Visiting service, parenting courses, and support for children’s Early Language Development.

It aims to support families to give youngsters a strong foundation to enable them to be ready for school and achieving their full potential.

Cllr Christine Richards, Swansea Council’s Cabinet member for Services for Children & Young People, said: “I am delighted to see these youngsters getting the benefit of Flying Start. It goes to show how our Council and its partners are making sure investment in Swansea is being put to great use to have a positive impact on children giving them the best start in life.

“We are continuing to develop the Flying Start programme as a key part of our early year’s strategy aimed at involving everyone who is engaging with children from birth to primary school focusing on the child’s development.

“This is part of a Swansea-wide approach improving readiness for school, attendance, attainment and ultimately supporting children and their families to be the best they can be.”

Lisa Bainbridge, Childcare Manager at Little People Flying Start, said: “We are very pleased to have our setting at Pontarddulais Primary school.

“Our Childcare sessions will be delivered by highly qualified staff in a high quality, caring and stimulating environment, where the focus is learning through play.

“The children who attend will learn essential social skills that will prepare them well for entry into the nursery and then school.”

Flying Start is the Welsh Government’s flagship early years programme which provides support to eligible families who have children under the age of 4 to help them get the best possible start in life.