Explore Play Wales
The Welsh Goverment has announced a £55 million investment in childcare, including the rollout of funded childcare to more two-year-olds across Wales and £10m capital funding, as part of the First Supplementary Budget 2026 to 2027.The funding represents a significant step towards the government’s commitment to provide 20 hours of funded care per week for all children aged nine months to four years old.
This funding will help to accelerate the rollout of 12.5 hours of funded childcare per week to all two-year-olds, delivered through local authorities. Wrexham joins Swansea, Merthyr Tydfil and Newport in providing funded childcare all two-year-olds in their areas. The £10m capital funding will help to enhance and expand childcare settings, improving the quality, capacity and accessibility of early years provision.
This is a phased rollout as part of the Welsh Government’s commitment to deliver the most generous childcare offer anywhere in the UK. The Expansion of Childcare Expert Steering Group will advise on the development of the phased rollout, with a focus on workforce planning, digital applications and improving access for all families.