Welsh Government expands funded childcare to all two‑year‑olds

The Welsh Government has allocated additional funding so that every local authority in Wales will provide 12.5 hours of funded childcare per week to every two‑year‑old child by the end of the current financial year. The move follows a recent increase in the number of authorities offering such support – from three to all 22 – and is presented as a key step toward the government's goal of extending provision to 20 hours per week for children aged nine months to two years. Deputy First Minister Sioned Williams said the expansion will improve early‑years outcomes, support families and contribute to the Welsh economy.

The programme is part of a broader strategy to build a universal early‑childhood care system, with future plans to extend funded care to three‑ and four‑year‑olds and to increase weekly hours as further funding becomes available.