If you are exploring funded childcare for 2-year-olds, understanding how the Flying Start programme works is essential.
Flying Start is a Welsh Government early years initiative designed to support young children and their families, particularly in areas facing higher levels of disadvantage. It offers structured, part-time childcare alongside enhanced health and parenting support, helping children build strong developmental foundations before they reach school age.
This guide explains eligibility, how childcare sessions work, the wider benefits for children and families, and what to consider when looking at Flying Start places. The aim is to give you clarity so you can make informed decisions about your child’s early years.
What Is a Flying Start Nursery?
A Flying Start nursery is an approved childcare provider delivering the programme for eligible 2-year-olds.
The scheme is gradually being rolled out across Wales, beginning in areas with higher levels of income-related disadvantage. Over time, more families are gaining access as capacity increases within the childcare sector.
This programme is broader than free nursery hours. It provides integrated early years support, which includes:
- Funded, high-quality part-time childcare for eligible 2-year-olds
- Enhanced health visiting services
- Parenting support programmes
- Support for speech, language and communication development
A nursery that delivers the programme must meet the required standards and employ qualified early years practitioners.
Who Is Eligible for Funded Childcare for 2-Year-Olds?
From 1st April, all 2-year-olds in Wales are now eligible for up to 12.5 hours of free childcare per week.
Local authorities manage access and may apply some flexibility in how families are supported. In some cases, outreach support is available for families living just outside designated areas.
Parents are often informed about eligibility during antenatal care or by their health visitor. If you have not been contacted but believe you may qualify, your local Family Information Service can advise.
When searching for Flying Start places, it is important to confirm both your eligibility and whether your chosen nursery is registered to provide Flying Start childcare.
What If My Current Nursery Is Not a Flying Start Provider?
You may discover that your current setting is not registered to deliver the programme.
In this situation, you may:
- Choose to move to an approved flying start nursery to access funded hours
- Ask whether your current provider intends to apply for registration
- Discuss transitional options with your local authority
Planning early helps avoid disruption when your child turns two.
How Many Hours Are Funded & How Are Sessions Structured?
Eligible families typically receive 12.5 hours of childcare per week.
Sessions are usually delivered as:
- 2.5 hours per day
- 5 days per week
- Term-time provision
Research in early childhood education shows that shorter, frequent sessions can support concentration, routine building, and positive developmental outcomes.
There is some flexibility where it benefits the child, particularly if a parent requires adjusted arrangements due to work or training commitments. Parents can also pay to top up additional hours if required.
Understanding how session patterns work helps you evaluate whether this fits your family’s routine.
Why Is Quality Early Years Childcare So Important at Age 2?
Two-year-olds are at a crucial developmental stage. Language skills expand rapidly, emotional regulation develops, and social interaction becomes more meaningful.
High-quality early years provision contributes to:
- Stronger language and communication skills
- Improved concentration during play
- Increased independence
- Greater cooperation with peers
- Better preparation for school
Studies on early childhood play, learning and care show that children attending quality settings often demonstrate improved outcomes in literacy and mathematics later in their education.
A structured flying start nursery environment supports both cognitive and social growth, complementing the nurturing provided at home.
How Does Flying Start Support Speech & Language Development?
Speech, language and communication are central components of the programme.
In a quality nursery, children benefit from communication-rich environments that include:
- Daily story sessions
- Singing and rhyme activities
- Small group interaction
- Practitioner-led conversations during play
Early identification of communication needs allows for timely support. This proactive approach can make a significant difference before a child enters statutory education.
What Are the Wider Benefits for Parents?
While the focus is on children’s development, the programme also supports families.
Access to funded childcare for 2-year-olds can:
- Enable parents to return to work
- Support access to training or education
- Reduce financial pressure
- Provide a structured routine for families
In addition to childcare, families eligible for the full programme are offered parenting support courses designed to strengthen confidence and practical skills.
These sessions help parents understand child development, behaviour management, and emotional well-being strategies.
What Are the Benefits of Welsh Medium Childcare?
Some flying start nurseries offer Welsh medium provision.
Early exposure to more than one language can support:
- Increased focus and cognitive flexibility
- Enhanced problem-solving skills
- Stronger cultural awareness
- Greater confidence in switching between languages
Children raised in bilingual environments often demonstrate adaptable thinking patterns and strong social communication skills.
Even if Welsh is not spoken at home, accessing Welsh medium childcare can offer long-term developmental advantages.
What Happens When My Child Turns Three?
Flying Start supports children until they transition into the next stage of funded provision.
Soon after your child’s third birthday, you may become eligible to apply for the Childcare Offer for Wales. This provides up to 30 hours of combined early education and childcare, depending on parental circumstances.
When Should You Start Looking?
Places can be limited due to staff ratio requirements and phased rollout across areas.
If your child is approaching age two and you believe you may qualify for funded childcare for 2-year-olds, it is sensible to:
- Confirm eligibility early
- Visit approved nurseries
- Discuss session structures
- Understand waiting lists
- Plan gradual settling sessions
Starting early gives you greater choice and flexibility.
What Is the Next Step If You Think You Are Eligible?
If you believe your family may qualify for funded childcare for 2-year-olds, contact your local authority or Family Information Service to confirm eligibility.
Once approved, visit approved providers offering Flying Start to find a setting that feels supportive, structured and development-focused.
A high-quality nursery should offer more than funded hours. It should provide a safe, nurturing environment that supports your child’s growth, confidence and readiness for the next stage of learning.
We Are a Flying Start Nursery – Get in Touch to Learn More
ChildsPlay Nursery is proud to be a registered Flying Start nursery in Newport, offering places for eligible families.
Our team is experienced in delivering high-quality funded childcare, with a strong focus on speech and language development, structured play, and emotional well-being. We work closely with families to ensure each child settles confidently and benefits fully from their funded sessions.
If you think you may be eligible, or if you would simply like to understand how the programme works within our nursery, please contact us directly. We are happy to:
- Explain how the sessions run in our setting
- Discuss the availability
- Arrange a visit so you can see the environment
- Guide you through the next steps after eligibility confirmation
Early enquiries are encouraged, as funded places can fill quickly.
We look forward to supporting your child’s early learning journey.