Thank you to all the childcare providers, staff, and partners who attended our recent childcare and zone workshops. We truly appreciate you taking time out of your busy schedules — whether during the day or after hours — to engage so thoughtfully and enthusiastically.
We are now in the process of reviewing the feedback and ideas you shared and considering how best to take it forward.
The Childcare Team will be reaching out to individual settings to explore expansion plans in more detail. We’re also taking on board your suggestions around how we communicate with families, which will help shape our upcoming marketing strategy.
We’re excited about the opportunities ahead and look forward to even stronger collaboration as we work together to expand provision from January 2026.
|
 At the workshops, many of you shared with us that the Friday 5pm deadline for submitting weekly registers can be difficult to meet due to busy end-of-week schedules. We also heard that some of you use the weekend to finalise your registers.
To support this, the deadline has been updated to:
✅ 9am on Monday morning
This gives you more flexibility while still ensuring we receive registers in time for processing.
Thank you for your continued feedback and support!
 Applications are currently open for funded childcare placements for the following:
-
Flying Start: Applications remain open for children living in a Flying Start postcode and born between 01 April 2023 - 31 August 2023 to start in September. Click here for details
-
Childcare Offer for Wales: Eligible families with children born between 1 April 2022 – 31 August 2022. Click here for details.
Please encourage all eligible families you work with to apply, and take advantage of these funding opportunities.
Reminders:
- 📢 If you have not done so already, please make sure that you following the instructions provided on your Childcare Offer for Wales dashboard to move over to GOV.UK One Login. 📌
-
Summer holidays are coming. Make sure the Agreements you have with parents cover holiday hours if they are using the Childcare Offer in the holidays. More information available here:
🔗 Providers manage agreements for the Childcare Offer for Wales | GOV.WALES
and 🔗 Providers claim a payment from the Childcare Offer for Wales | GOV.WALES
- 🔔 You will now be submitting ICP forms for families whose children have been approved for funding and have approached you to provide the placement. The new ICP form no longer requires you to log into an account. We have had a few instances where families have been submitting the ICP forms themselves. Please remind them that these will be declined and that the ICP form needs to be completed by the setting, with the parent.
 Neurodivergence Wales is a vital resource dedicated to improving the lives of neurodivergent individuals and their families across Wales. This initiative, funded by the Welsh Government, offers a wealth of information, resources, and support for conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and more.
Key Features of Neurodivergence Wales:
-
Community of Practice Sessions: a range of recordings from their Community of Practice events for practitioners, focusing on a range of different neurodivergent conditions, and issues that impact the neurodivergent community.
-
Parents and Carers Resources : developed in partnership with neurodivergent people, parents and carers and professionals, these resources are aimed at increasing the knowledge, skills, understanding of neurodivergence and practical tools for parents and carers of neurodivergent people.
-
Parents & Carers Virtual Advice Sessions: Online information sessions for parents and carers, providing information about a range of topics relating to neurodivergence.
For more information, visit Neurodivergence Wales.
Additional resources:
 Recently, many of you have had the unique opportunity to step into the world of autism through the Autism Reality Experience. This immersive experience offered us a glimpse into the daily challenges faced by individuals with autism.
Key Takeaways
-
Sensory Overload: One of the most striking aspects of the experience was the sensory overload. Our numerous senses receiving constant barrages made it difficult to focus and process information, mirroring the challenges faced by individuals with autism.
-
Communication Barriers: The experience also highlighted the communication barriers that people with autism often face. Simple tasks became complex as we struggled to interpret instructions and communicate effectively, highlighting the importance of patience and clear communication.
-
Empathy and Awareness: Perhaps the most valuable takeaway was the empathy and awareness we gained, to develop a deeper understanding and appreciation. This empathy is crucial in fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for individuals with autism.
We extend our thanks to the organisers and facilitators of the Autism Reality Experience for providing such an insightful and impactful opportunity and for helping us understand the challenges faced by individuals with autism.
If you have not done so already, please tell us what you thought here!!
 Play in the Park is back throughout August and this year there will be 8 venues for you to visit and enjoy.
Full details are available on our website and will be shared on our Facebook page over the coming weeks.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Alma Economics, on behalf of the Welsh Government, is inviting parents and guardians to take part in a research study about Flying Start. The aim is to better understand families’ experiences — whether they are currently using Flying Start services or not.
|
For the latest information and advice on childcare services and activities, Follow us on Facebook
|
|
For the latest information and advice on childcare services and activities, Follow us on Instagram
|
|
|
 |
|
