Parents across Wales are calling for a mirroring of a new childcare scheme that's being rolled out in England. Working parents in England can now get 15 hours per week of free childcare for two year olds from April 2024, which will be extended to thirty hours weekly for all under fives by September of 2025. But childcare for Wales is a devolved issue so the rules are slightly different.

Currently, there are two Welsh government schemes in place. The childcare offer means parents of children aged three and four can get 30 free hours per week for 48 weeks in the year, provided they meet certain criteria like earning less than £100,000 per year, or working at least 16 hours a week. And then, the Flying Start provides 12.5 hours per week to some two-year-olds living in more deprived areas of the country.

At the start of the year, Vaughan Gething promised to expand free childcare in Wales if he was elected. The first minister's promise followed a petition calling for the English scheme to be matched in Wales. But the scheme has faced backlash amid claims there won't be enough spaces for all who apply.