Flying Start is the Welsh Government Funded programme, which provides intense support services within its early years programme for families with children under 4 years of age living in the most disadvantaged areas of Wales. Flying Start is one of the Welsh Government’s top priorities in its Tackling Poverty Agenda.
The four core elements of the Flying Start programme are:
- an enhanced health visiting service,
- high quality parenting support,
- early language development services, an
- free childcare for 2 year olds.
All the above core elements will be delivered from the new hub and will include Midwifery support, Antenatal Nurture Programme, Baby Massage, Weigh and Play, Baby Yoga, Growing Families Programme, Talking Tots, Parent Cookery Programme, accredited parenting programmes, Speech and Language Therapy weaning and home safety advice in addition to free childcare for 2 year olds.
There are 11 Flying Start areas with Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council area. Blaenau Gwent CBC has received capital funding to the value of £5 million from Welsh Government and The Big Lottery Fund to develop 7 Flying Start Early Years Hubs and 1 Integrated Children’s Centre across Blaenau Gwent between 2005 and 2017.
Cwm Flying Start hub is the final hub in Blaenau Gwent to be completed.
Executive Member for Social Services, Councillor John Mason said:
“Flying Start hubs are rooted in local communities. They will not only provide a range of services to meet the needs of the young children and their families in Cwm but also have a role to play in bringing together all professionals who work in the area, to learn from each other’s expertise, and provide integrated support and extra help as required to families.”
Secretary for Communities and Children, Carl Sargeant said:
“I’ve had the privilege of visiting many Flying Start settings around Wales and seen first-hand the wonderful work being undertaken by Local Authorities, the Local Health Boards, schools, the voluntary sector, families and communities. Last year over 38,000 children and their families were supported through the programme, achieving the previous Government’s commitment to double the number of children benefitting from the programme.
“My thanks go to everyone involved in getting this project in Cwm off the ground and I wish everybody involved with the new Flying Start Hub every success in the future.”