Update on Flying Start childcare in Denbighshire

Denbighshire County Council has been working towards extending Flying Start childcare to more two-year-olds, with the aim of moving towards a universal offer. Based on current projections for 2025 to 2026, we believed it may be possible to extend eligibility further.

However, before any additional rollout can take place, we need to carry out further analysis on the longer-term affordability of expansion, particularly beyond 2025 to 2026. This is to ensure that any extension of Flying Start childcare can be sustained in future years and does not result in provision having to be withdrawn.

We understand that this will be frustrating and disappointing for families in postcodes that are not currently eligible, particularly where expectations had been raised about potential expansion. Decisions around Flying Start expansion must balance ambition with the need for financial certainty and fairness across all areas.

Denbighshire is now undertaking detailed forecasting and feasibility work and will share further updates once this work is complete and the outcome of the Welsh Government’s Final Budget is known.

In the meantime, Flying Start childcare eligibility remains unchanged.