NDNA Cymru’s has responded to the latest written statement from the Deputy Minister for Social Services.

In her statement Julie Morgan MS, wrote:

‘Childcare and playwork services in Wales have faced numerous challenges as a result of Covid-19.

‘I fully recognise that for some providers, many of the challenges caused by Covid-19 have not gone away and this is why I am pleased to announce that I am making available an additional £5.1 million this financial year to further support the childcare and playwork sector.

‘£3.5 million of this funding will be distributed to local authorities via the Children and Communities Grant and will be available to assist with the short term impact of the health emergency on services.  This should go some way towards ensuring that providers can keep on operating as they seek to recover from the effects of Covid-19 or adapt to meet the needs of families in the future. It will be up to each local authority to decide how this money is allocated, according to local priorities.

‘Alongside this I am also providing additional funding to our local authorities to help them with their statutory responsibilities in respect of childcare and playwork and to the six umbrella bodies representing the childcare and playwork sector.’

Purnima Tanuku OBE, chief exec of National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) Cymru, said:

‘NDNA Cymru welcomes this announcement about extra support for the childcare and play services sector.

‘The sector is vital in enabling children’s learning and allowing families to work, with providers remaining open throughout the pandemic. This support via local authorities and CWLWM will help people affected and aid recovery.

‘It is really positive that the Welsh Government has recognised the contribution of the sector and the pressures that providers have faced. We look forward to continuing our support to members and providers in the sector.’