7. How does the equality impact assessment for the phase 2 expansion of early years childcare provision via the Flying Start programme compare to the assessment completed for phase 1? OQ58664

Thank you very much, Jenny Rathbone, for that question. As you well understand, of course, the focus of this question doesn't fall within my ministerial portfolio in terms of policy, but I'm very happy to respond in terms of the impact assessment issue. Phase 2 of the expansion of Flying Start builds on the approach taken in phase 1. That's reflected in the equality impact assessment. And, of course, high-quality early years provision does help ensure that every child has the best start in life and fulfils their potential. 

Okay. My understanding is that it is within your portfolio to look at the equality impact of all Government policies, and that, obviously, includes Flying Start, while I appreciate that you're not the Minister who actually carries responsibility for that programme.

So, I'm interested in looking at how the phase 1 expansion for £20 million, which increased the numbers of children benefiting from that additional support by a further 2,500, compared with phase 2, which is £26 million for 3,000 additional two-year-olds to get free Flying Start childcare from next April. But, as raised by Cardiff Council, the concerns they have about this phase 2 are that those additional children getting the additional childcare earlier on doesn't include them in the important increased support for health visitors, speech and language, and other parenting support. And I'm interested in exploring why we've done that, because it's all about the evaluation of how much impact the childcare has if it hasn't also been accompanied by that additional health visiting and other parenting support. 

Thank you very much, Jenny, for that question. I fully recognise the importance of the equality impact assessment and how that guides us in terms of moving forward with this all-important Flying Start programme, which has such an impact on children's lives. Now, of course, as you are fully aware and you're so engaged with this, not every family receiving phase 2 provision would require further services, but the families who do need that additional support will continue to have the opportunity to access support through existing routes. So, I hope that gives you some reassurance about phase 2, learning from phase 1. If they need additional support, they will be able to access that, and if we can reassure the parents or Cardiff Council about the importance and the impact of the expansion that's going to take place.

Clearly, the Deputy Minister for Social Services is working very closely with local authorities in terms of monitoring whether phase 2 provision leads to increased referrals to other services, and we'll work very flexibly with local services to support them to meet additional needs. But I think what's really important is that Flying Start is able to provide and offer that high-quality childcare environment, coupled with high-quality staff, in supporting improved outcomes for children. I do think, in terms of the importance and the announcement that was made recently by the Deputy Minister for Social Services, as part of the Plaid Cymru partnership and the co-operation agreement, with Siân Gwenllian, it's so important that we've got this extension of the £26 million over the next two years to expand Flying Start to support long-term positive impacts on the lives of children and families across Wales.

And just finally, Llywydd, just to say that, obviously, I'm responsible for tackling poverty as well, and we know that the provision of childcare is crucial, and with the evidence and indeed the Wales Centre for Public Policy and the Bevan Foundation showing that investment in childcare, with an additional 3,000 two-year-olds accessing high-quality childcare, is a huge step forward in terms of tackling child poverty.

I'm pleased that this question has been raised this afternoon over the Flying Start scheme, and it's not the first time I've raised this issue, but I get deeply concerned over the postcode lottery of the scheme, where funding is based on where somebody lives rather than on their financial situation, and essentially a scenario in which wealthy people can qualify and people who need it the most actually miss out, in some cases. So, what consideration does the Welsh Government give to this notion, and what steps do you intend to take to remove barriers to the scheme and provide equity in the system?

I'd just repeat what I said in answer to the earlier questions. Flying Start helps families with young children in the most disadvantaged areas of Wales. That's the crucial thing. We need to target that support. It includes free part-time quality childcare for children aged two and three living in those areas, and in April, we announced that up to 2,500 more children would be eligible for Flying Start, and that will include children that you represent across Wales. The first phase of the programme began at the start of September, and phase 2 will make more than 3,000 additional two-year-olds eligible.

Also, I think it's important to say that there's the £70 million for improvements to facilities and maintenance for registered childcare settings, and that those settings can apply for that funding through their local authorities.