Welsh Government Funded Childcare is for all 2 year olds across Rhondda Cynon Taf.
How Do I know If I’m Eligible for Welsh Government Funded Childcare?
Welsh Government Funded Childcare is based on:
- Where you live
- The age of your child
All children residing in an RCT postcode are eligible to access Welsh Government Funded Childcare.
Your child is eligible to start a funded placement the term following their second birthday.
Sample Table
| Child’s second birthday falls between: | They are eligible to start: |
|---|
| September - December |
January term |
| January - March |
April term |
| April – August |
September term |
How do I access Welsh Government Funded Childcare?
We will write to eligible families when they have a child turning 18 months old. The letter will invite you to apply for a funded placement. If you believe you are eligible and have not received a letter please email flyingstartchildcare@rctcbc.gov.uk
I have completed my application form, how will I know you have received it?
You will receive an automatic email acknowledgement once your application has been submitted and then again if accepted by your chosen setting.
Where can I access my placement?
You can choose from a list of approved setting withing RCT in which you can access funded childcare sessions.
List of settings are available here: RCT page
I would like my child to go to a Welsh medium school, can we access a Welsh medium Welsh Government Funded Childcare provision?
Yes, we have Welsh medium provisions throughout Rhondda Cynon Taf. You can choose your language preference on the application form.
I’ve moved into RCT and my child is already 2 years old, how do I apply?
You will need to register your new address with a local GP and we will be notified by health of this update. Once this is received we will contact you to invite you to apply for a funded placement.
How many hours does Welsh Government Funded Childcare fund?
Welsh Government Funded Childcare funds 12.5 per week, term time only.
Can I change my chosen setting once my child has started?
Once your child has started attending your chosen childcare setting, their funding is allocated to that setting for the term. If you need to change childcare providers, the funding will usually transfer to the new setting from the start of the next term, in January, April or September.
We understand that circumstances can change, and individual circumstances will be considered where appropriate.
When will my child’s Welsh Government Funded Childcare Placement end?
Your child will be able to access Welsh Government Funded Childcare until the end of the term in which they turn three years old.
What happens after my child’s Welsh Government Funded Childcare Placement ends?
You can apply for a pre-nursery or nursery educational placement to start the term after your child’s 3rd birthday. This application must be made through the Local Authority. You must make this application in advance.
Sample Table
| Child’s third birthday falls between: | You should apply: | They are eligible to start: | Type of application: |
|---|
| September - December |
September |
January |
Pre-nursery |
| January – March |
January |
April |
Pre-nursery |
| April – August |
September (before they turn 3) |
September |
Nursery |
There are strict timescales in which to apply. Please see Rhondda Cynon Taf’s website for the current application dates.
If your child’s education placement is for 15 hours per week you may be eligible to apply for an additional 15 hours of childcare through the 30-Hour Childcare Offer.
How to Contact Us
Telephone: 01443 281437
Email: flyingstartchildcare@rctcbc.gov.uk