All 22 local authorities in Wales are on track to deliver 12.5 hours a week of Welsh Government-funded childcare for all two-year-olds by the end of this financial year.

This means that the Welsh Government will establish the foundation of a universal childcare system before the end of its first year. At the start of this Senedd term in May, only three local authorities were delivering Welsh Government-funded childcare to all two-year-olds.

The first and current phase of the rollout will focus on providing 12.5 funded hours of childcare for all two-year-olds across Wales. Future phases will include increasing support for two-year-olds to 20 funded hours a week for 48 weeks, and working with childcare providers to extend the expanded offer to all three- and four-year-olds and building on these offers before extending support to children aged nine months to two years.

Deputy First Minister Sioned Williams said: "Childcare support for families is one of the key levers we have to address poverty, gender inequality, support our economy and improve educational outcomes.

"This is excellent news for all families and a real testament to the commitment local authorities have shown in driving this expansion forward.

"Just a few months ago, only three local authorities were offering Welsh Government- funded childcare for all two-year-olds. The fact that all 22 are now on track to do so by the end of this financial year shows the remarkable progress being made as a result of our determination to make childcare more affordable.

"Access to high-quality early years education and care can have a profound impact on a child’s development and life chances, while giving parents practical support during the important first years of family life."