Parents in Wales are facing financial struggles due to the high cost of childcare, with some concluding that they are better off not working. The current lack of support for childcare in Wales compared to England has left many parents feeling helpless and trapped. While parents in England receive 15 hours of free childcare a week for their two-year-olds, Welsh parents do not have access to a similar scheme.
In Wales, the Welsh government provides parents of three and four-year-olds with up to 30 hours of free childcare a week for 48 weeks a year. Additionally, parents of two-year-olds can apply for the Flying Start scheme but only qualify if they are considered deprived. Laura Austin, a mother of twin daughters in Ynyshir, Rhondda Cynon Taf, is one of many parents struggling financially due to the high costs of childcare. She wishes to return to work but finds it more financially viable to stay at home.
Laura highlights the inadequacy of support for parents of children aged two and under in Wales, leaving many families in a challenging financial situation. She emphasises the significant costs of childcare, making it financially impossible for her to return to work. Laura advocates for the Welsh Government to extend free childcare to younger children, suggesting that parents of nine-month-olds should receive 15 hours of free childcare a week to facilitate their return to work.
The soaring costs of childcare have led some parents to consider relocating to England, where the childcare support system is more comprehensive. Laura’s campaign for expanded childcare support has gained traction, with many expressing solidarity with her situation. The Welsh Government currently invests over £100 million annually in childcare for children aged two and above through schemes like Flying Start and the childcare offer for three and four-year-olds.
Despite the existing support, parents like Laura continue to struggle with the financial burden of childcare in Wales. The disparity in childcare funding between Wales and England has prompted calls for reform to enable parents to make choices based on their career aspirations rather than financial constraints. As discussions around childcare funding continue, families in Wales hope for a more equitable and supportive system that empowers parents to make decisions that are best for their families.