Fri, 24 Oct 2025

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 'I left Wales for England to access free childcare'

There is no free childcare scheme for children under two in Wales, so one mum crossed the border.
A nurse from Monmouthshire, Robin Lloyd, moved to Gloucestershire with her husband after learning that they would be eligible for free childcare for their babies. In Wales, there is no support for children under two years old, but a scheme called Flying Start provides 12.5 hours of free care per week for two to three-year-olds in disadvantaged areas. Robin's decision was motivated by the high cost of childcare in Wales, which she estimated would have been equivalent to paying almost double her mortgage each month. She said that moving to England allowed them to afford having a second child. The Welsh government has defended its childcare programmes, saying they are sustainable and prioritize disadvantaged communities. However, some parents in Monmouthshire feel that the difference in childcare support between Wales and England is unfair. In Merthyr Tydfil, the Flying Start scheme has been expanded to provide free childcare for all two-year-olds, with 100% of early years providers offering places. Parents in the area say it's invaluable to have access to affordable childcare. However, some families are choosing to move out of Wales due to the lack of support for younger children. A Conservative councillor in Monmouthshire said that parents were leaving the area because they couldn't afford the cost of childcare. The Welsh government has announced plans to extend the Flying Start scheme to more areas and increase funding by £25m, but some parties are calling for a more comprehensive childcare offer. The Liberal Democrats and Conservatives have promised to introduce 30 hours of free childcare per week for children from nine months to school age if they come into power. The Labour Party is proud of its efforts to provide free childcare for two-year-olds and is discussing the offer for 2026 and beyond. The Welsh government has defended its childcare programmes, saying they are making a real difference for families across Wales.
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