Universal free childcare has been recognised as the greatest of equalisers by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. While expanding access to free childcare directly benefits children in their formative years, it also—as you’ve acknowledged—has wider benefits in tackling poverty. As we know, it removes some of the barriers to help parents, particularly mothers, to return to work.

We know that a lack of childcare is one of the most frequently cited barriers to women’s employment, resulting in lower economic participation and curtailing women’s career options. In Wales, 86 per cent of single parents are mothers, and 63 per cent of mothers in two-parent households are solely or mainly responsible for childcare, compared with just 17 per cent of fathers. That is why this is crucial in terms of striving for a gender-equal Wales. That’s why, as you referenced, free childcare from 12 months, starting with implementation for two-year-olds in this first term—that’s why it was a key pledge for Plaid Cymru in the Senedd 2021 election, and that’s why it features in the co-operation agreement between our two parties.

As we know, the sector faces a very difficult period. Through COVID, childcare providers stepped up to the national emergency and turned themselves into childcare hubs for our key workers, meaning that nurses, doctors and teachers could continue to work. The sector now needs as much help and support as possible, as we face the cost-of-living emergency, so that their essential services remain available.

Access to free childcare is also strongly limited by serious gaps in provision across Wales. The Family and Childcare Trust childcare survey in 2022 showed that childcare sufficiency has decreased since 2021 for all categories in Wales, except after-school care for 12 to 14-year-olds. Less than a third of local authorities, 29 per cent, have enough childcare for the 30 hours of free early education entitlement under the childcare offer. There are significant shortages for disabled children and parents working atypical hours, with no local authorities reporting that there is childcare under these in all areas of their authority.

But, as you have also recognised, there is a huge opportunity and need to ensure that childcare through the medium of Welsh is provided across Wales. Childcare sits within the wider area of early education and care, and it is through early years services and childcare settings that thousands of children and families all over Wales gain their first experiences of the Welsh language and Welsh-medium education.

I would like to ask specifically today, just to follow up on some of the points there—. I was pleased to see the Deputy Minister reference digital exclusion and acknowledge some of the challenges there, because we are seeing more and more people choosing not to renew broadband, for instance, in their homes, as part of cost-of-living measures. In some areas, and that includes areas that are only a few miles from Cardiff, it can mean that you have a lack of access to a strong signal to be able to access digital services. So, I think that there is something in that.

Obviously, the opening hours of things like public libraries aren’t always flexible, because, often, parents might look at these options in the evenings or at the weekends. Some libraries are open on a Saturday, but not all. So, I would ask: how are we able to ensure that digital exclusion won’t be a barrier for many people who are struggling at present? I think that there are many things to welcome here, but I do worry in terms of those who can use the technology—it's not a matter of not being able to use it—but can't access it because of the cost-of-living crisis currently.

Also, can the Deputy Minister advise what steps the Welsh Government is taking to address the serious gaps in childcare provision, including provisions for disabled children, and, as mentioned, parents working atypical hours, and I think the points raised by the Member previously in terms of people living in rural areas, where access or transport can be a barrier to accessing childcare? So, how do we ensure that everybody who needs it is able to access it, when and where they need it?

And finally, if I may ask, in terms of the national digital service, I note that there was an evaluation undertaken and trials, and you've referenced this in terms of positive feedback. Can you please inform us where this is available in the public domain, because I haven't been able to find it, so that we understand from the evaluation and feedback from the trials perhaps some of the challenges that need to be overcome? Thank you.