Who Are We?
Flying Start is a Welsh Government programme for families with children under 4 years of age living in disadvantaged areas.
The childcare element of Flying Start offers free, part-time childcare for families living in disadvantaged areas of Wales when their children are between 2-3 years old.
How Do I know If I’m Eligible for Flying Start?
Flying Start Childcare is based on:
- Where you live
- The age of your child
You can check if your postcode is eligible on the Rhondda Cynon Taf website:
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 |
The postcode checker says I am eligible, how do I access Flying Start funded childcare?
We will write to families eligible for Flying Start, when they have a child turning 18 months old. The letter will inform you of your eligibility and invite you to apply for a funded placement. You can contact your Health Visitor if you have not received a letter. If you are no longer in contact with your Health Visitor, please contact us.
I have returned my application form, how will I know you have received it?
The Parent/Carer will receive a confirmation letter when the placement has been arranged or if the child is not eligible for a funded place. We do not send out acknowledgement letters at present.
Where will my child be placed?
Your child will be allocated a placement at a high quality approved childcare provision within your local area. The placement is chosen by our officers based on spaces available. Parents/carers do not have the option to choose their preferred provision at present.
I would like my child to go to a Welsh medium school, can we access a Welsh medium Flying Start 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 a Flying Start area and my child is already 2 years old, how do I apply?
Your details will be passed on to us by your health visitor. Once this is received we will contact you to inform you of your eligibility and invite you to apply for a funded placement.
How many hours does Flying Start fund?
Flying Start funds 2.5 hours per day, 5 days per week, term time only.
When will my child’s Flying Start Placement end?
Your child’s placement will end when they are eligible for an education placement, which means they will be able to attend until the end of the term in which they turn three.
What happens after my child’s Flying Start 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