Gwynedd takes step closer to universal childcare as free provision for two-year-olds expands

Siân Gwenllian MS welcomes expansion of Welsh Government-funded childcare, with Gwynedd introducing 12.5 hours of free childcare a week for two-year-olds from November.

Gwynedd is taking an important step towards a universal childcare system, with the introduction of 12.5 hours of Welsh Government-funded childcare a week for two-year-olds from 2 November 2026.

Siân Gwenllian, Senedd Member for Gwynedd Maldwyn, welcomed the expansion, highlighting the importance of affordable childcare in supporting families, tackling poverty and giving children the best start in life.

“Childcare support for families is one of the key levers we have to address poverty, gender inequality, support our economy and improve educational outcomes,” said Siân Gwenllian.

“Just a few months ago, only three local authorities were offering Welsh Government-funded childcare for two-year-olds. The fact that all 22 are now on track to do so before April shows the remarkable progress being made as a result of Plaid Cymru's determination to make childcare more affordable for families across Gwynedd and Wales.”

The expansion is part of the Welsh Government’s ambition to deliver the most generous childcare offer in the UK, helping parents return to work, supporting families with the cost of living and improving opportunities for children.

“This Plaid Cymru government has already delivered in a matter of months what Labour failed to do in five years,” added Siân Gwenllian.

“Working in partnership with Plaid Cymru-led Gwynedd Council, we are taking further steps to better support families from November. This is a huge step forwards, supporting parents back into work, helping families with the cost of living, and giving every child the best start in life.”

Further expansion planned

The Welsh Government’s current phase of childcare expansion focuses on completing the rollout of 12.5 funded hours a week for all two-year-olds across Wales.

Future phases will aim to increase support for two-year-olds to 20 funded hours a week for 48 weeks, while working with childcare providers to extend the expanded offer to all three- and four-year-olds.

The ambition is to build on these offers before extending support to children aged nine months to two years.