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From 21^st September, all parents and carers of children aged two living in Neath Port Talbot will be able to apply for 12.5 hours of Welsh Government-funded childcare, across 5 days, for 39 weeks of the year during school term time, regardless of where they live within the local authority area.

Neath Port Talbot is the latest local authority in Wales to make the offer available to all eligible two-year-olds. The expansion marks an important milestone in the phased rollout of Welsh Government-funded childcare being delivered through local authorities across Wales.

As well as benefiting families, the expanded offer will support childcare providers across Neath Port Talbot by helping them meet growing demand and strengthening the long-term sustainability of the childcare sector.

Councillor Nia Jenkins Neath Port Talbot Council's Cabinet Member for Education & Early Years, said:

“Every child deserves the best possible start in life, and this expansion of funded childcare is fantastic news for families across Neath Port Talbot.”

“By investing in our youngest residents, we are helping to ensure children have access to high-quality early years experiences that support their development, wellbeing and future learning.”

"The offer will also provide valuable support for parents and carers by helping to remove childcare as a barrier to employment, training and other opportunities.”

Welsh Government-funded childcare for two-year-olds forms part of wider efforts to support children and families across Wales, ensuring more young children can benefit from quality early years provision at a crucial stage of their development.

Parents and carers can find out more about the childcare offer, including eligibility information and how to apply, by visiting Flying Start areas - NPT Council.