Event

How can the Welsh Government’s childcare expansion provide the best outcomes for children?

This event hosted by UK think tank Nesta explores the latest insights into the current childcare landscape in Wales.

A report from the Welsh Government shows that when early childhood play, learning and care (ECPLC) is of high quality, it can directly shape children’s language skills, physical and social-emotional development, and long-term outcomes. It is particularly important to get this right for babies and younger children and children growing up in low-income households.

The Welsh Government’s commitment to expanding childcare for all children from nine months old is welcome. But ensuring high-quality education in childcare settings is prioritised during rollout is essential if this investment is to deliver the best possible outcomes for children.

On Wednesday 4 November from 12:00-13:00 GMT Andy Regan, Head of Nesta Cymru will chair an expert panel including Ellie Bristow, mission manager of Nesta’s fairer start mission, Steffan Evans, chief executive at Bevan Foundation, Catrin Edwards, chief executive at Mudiad Meithrin and Gail Bennett, early years and family service support manager at Flintshire Council. Together they will explore the latest insights into the current childcare landscape in Wales, examining both the risks and opportunities of the planned rollout.

This event is for any professional interested in early childhood outcomes in Wales. You might work as a strategic early years lead in a local authority, an early years provider, an academic, researcher, or a policymaker interested in how early years policy can best support children and families.

Speakers

Andy Regan – Head of Nesta Cymru

Catrin Edwards – Chief Executive, Mudiad Meithrin

Gail Bennett – Service Manager early years and family service, Flintshire Council

Ellie Bristow – Manager for Nesta’s fairer start mission in Wales

Steffan Evans – Chief Executive, Bevan Foundation