Flying Start
Flying Start is a programme for families with children aged 0-4 years which offers:
- high quality, funded, part-time childcare for children aged 2-3yrs
- free parenting programmes
- enhanced Health Visiting support
- speech and language support
Flying Start is targeted at certain postcodes across Powys. Find out if you are eligible by using our easy postcode checker below
Introducing Flying Start
The Flying Start programme consists of four core elements: high quality, funded childcare, family support through Incredible Years programmes, enhanced Health Visitor support, and support for early years language development.
High quality, funded, part-time childcare for 2-3 year olds
Flying Start provides quality childcare to parents of all eligible 2-3 year olds for 2 ½ hours a day, 5 days a week for 39 weeks a year plus at least 15 sessions for the family during the school holidays.
Access to Parenting Programmes
Every family with a Flying Start child will be offered formal parenting support at least once a year. This can be in groups or one to one in the home with a mix of formal and informal support depending on need.
Enhanced Health Visiting service
Help and support can be provided on a range of issues which may be affecting you and your family. These include caring for your new baby, feeding, weaning, sleep routines, potty training and behavioural issues. We can also signpost you or refer you to other agencies within and outside Flying Start if required.
Speech, Language and Communication
We aim for every family in a Flying Start area to have ongoing access to speech and language support.
Flying Start Community Managers
In addition to the four core elements, Flying Start families in Welshpool, Newtown, Llandrindod, Brecon and Ystradgynlais have access to a designated community manager. The role of the community managers is to make themselves available to listen to the needs of the community and work with key people and services to help respond to those needs.
It's through our community managers we also bring events and activities or work with partners to bring events to the community.
Our aim is to help ensure your experience of being a member of the Flying Start community is a positive and fulfilling one.
Flying Start Community Manager Contacts:
- North: karen.finucane@powys.gov.uk
- Mid: Victoria.morris@powys.gov.uk
- South: jessica.sims1@powys.gov.uk (Ystradgynlais)
- South: nikki.jones1@powys.gov.uk (Brecon)
Welsh Government Expansion
As part of the Welsh Government's commitment to expand Flying Start to more families across Wales, we are pleased to announce that more families living in Powys are able to benefit from 12 ½ hours of funded, high quality childcare a week at one of our approved Flying Start childcare providers in Powys.