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Robin Lloyd, residing in Monmouthshire, found herself in the position of observing families across the border in England benefiting from access to free childcare for infants.
Faced with this disparity, Robin and her husband made the decision to relocate from Chepstow, Wales, to Gloucestershire, a 30-minute drive, in order to qualify for childcare support for children aged nine months and older.
While Wales is expanding its provision of free childcare for two-year-olds, with a focus on disadvantaged areas, it currently offers no support for younger children.
The Welsh government maintains that its existing childcare programmes are “sustainable” and prioritize assistance for “more disadvantaged communities.”
Robin, a 35-year-old nurse, began considering childcare options during her pregnancy.
“I realized that the monthly cost of childcare in Wales would nearly double my mortgage payment, while I could see England from my window, where families were receiving financial support,” she stated.
“I wanted to have more than one child, but the exorbitant cost of childcare meant that it wouldn’t be feasible until my son was almost four years old.”
“We approached the process cautiously but ultimately concluded that moving to England was the only way to afford a family of two children.”
The relocation to the Forest of Dean incurred £15,000 in legal fees and stamp duty, “but overall, it will be significantly cheaper than paying for childcare in Wales.”
Since September 1, working parents in England have been eligible for 30 hours of childcare per week during term time for children aged nine months to four years.
Concerns have been raised regarding the availability of childcare places and the cost of additional, unfunded hours.
However, Robin reports that she has secured two days of funded childcare per week for her one-year-old, enabling her and her husband to work part-time.
“This makes it far more affordable for someone like me who is simply a nurse,” she explained. “I don’t have substantial wealth to afford both a home and childcare for my family.”
“I am deeply saddened by this. I have left my home. But ultimately, if it means I can have the family I desire, it is worth it.”
Currently, Wales does not offer any childcare funding for children under the age of two.
Nevertheless, the Welsh government is implementing a scheme called Flying Start, which provides 12.5 hours of free care per week for all two to three-year-olds.
The government stated that the scheme had reached 15,901 children by the end of 2024-25, representing approximately 52% of two-year-olds in Wales.
The next phase of expansion in 2025-26, funded by an additional £25 million, is projected to “reach more than 4,000 additional children,” according to the government.
The Flying Start scheme is being extended by postcode, with priority given to the most deprived areas.
Merthyr Tydfil has become the first county in Wales to offer places to all two-year-olds under the programme.
Grace, a resident of Merthyr Tydfil, described the Flying Start place her daughter receives every afternoon at Little Rascals nursery as “invaluable.”
She believes it is essential that all parents of young children, not just those who are employed, are eligible for the support, thereby ensuring a “level playing field.”
“It is so beneficial to have this programme for Merthyr, providing everyone living here with the opportunity for their children to attend childcare at such a young age without financial concerns,” she said.
On the same site, Ana’s son attends the forest school, where children spend the majority of the day learning outdoors.
Their postcode was the last in Merthyr to become eligible for Flying Start childcare support in April.
“It is regrettable that significant portions of our country do not benefit from this,” she commented.
“One only needs to visit one of these nurseries to witness the children’s enjoyment of being together and learning from one another.”
In Merthyr, council leaders stated that “100% of early years providers” were able to offer Flying Start places, with sufficient capacity for all two-year-olds in the county.
“This has been achieved over a considerable period, ensuring that we have enough childcare places, which is crucial. We must ensure that we have sufficient childcare places to support any commitments we make,” said Sarah Ostler, the early years and Flying Start manager for Merthyr Tydfil council.
She added that they had utilized Welsh government funding to expand provision and ensure a “suitably-qualified and experienced workforce.”
However, in Monmouthshire, a councillor noted that parents were acutely aware of the differing childcare provision across the border in England.
Conservative county councillor Lisa Dymock reported that a number of people had moved to the area from Bristol, many under the impression that they would receive the same childcare offer as in England.
“While they may have settled in a lovely location like south-east Monmouthshire, they have now realized they are not entitled to this free childcare and are having to re-examine their budgets and outgoings, which is difficult for a young family,” she explained.
Ms. Dymock acknowledged that Flying Start was “a very good scheme” but did not assist women who needed to return to work. She advocated for matching the English offer in Wales.
“I believe that would help household income, residents’ careers, and children’s development,” she stated.
“I simply think it is a significant benefit and what my residents are asking for – it is what people want.”
The Welsh government has affirmed that its childcare programmes are “making a real difference for families across Wales.”
It reiterated that the Flying Start programme is now being extended to all two-year-olds.
“We have prioritized our more disadvantaged communities and ensured that provision is sustainable,” a spokesperson stated.
The government maintains that the Childcare Offer for Wales, providing up to 30 hours per week of care for three and four-year-olds, is more generous than England’s scheme.
“Unlike in England, it is available to parents in training and education, as well as those in work, and is available 48 weeks per year, compared to England’s 38 weeks.”
At its autumn conference, Plaid Cymru announced its commitment to offering at least 20 hours of free childcare for 48 weeks a year to all children aged nine months to four years by 2031.
The current offer of 30 hours for some three and four-year-olds would continue.
The Welsh Liberal Democrats have pledged to introduce 30 hours per week of childcare for children from nine months to school age and invest in school holiday provision.
The Welsh Conservatives have stated their intention to replicate the childcare offer in England, providing 30 hours a week for working parents of children aged nine months to four years during term time.
They have indicated that further details will be provided in their manifesto for the Senedd election.
Welsh Labour has expressed pride in rolling out free childcare for two-year-olds, providing a tax break for nurseries, and expanding subsidized childcare for three and four-year-olds.
The party has stated that it is still discussing the offer for 2026 and beyond.
Reform UK has announced that it is preparing a manifesto to “deliver the real change Wales needs.”
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