P-06-1530 Save Childcare Provision in Wales – Demand Fair Funding and a Fair Process for Providers and Parent

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This petition was submitted by Lisa Owen, having collected a total of 1,914 signatures.

Text of Petition:

Childcare Providers across Wales are at risk of closing due to an unsustainable funding model imposed by the Welsh Government. The flat rate schemes do not cover the true costs of delivering childcare and providers are not allowed to charge the parent the true cost of care when it exceeds the set rate. Since every setting operates differently, many are being forced to run at a loss. This is despite Welsh Government regulations stating our businesses must be sustainable to safeguard our children.

Additional information:

What This Means For You
❌ Without urgent change, many Childcare Providers will be forced to close leaving childcare employees without employment.
❌ Fewer quality childcare provisions mean fewer childcare places, longer waiting lists, leaving families unable to access childcare including Childcare Offer & Flying Start places.
❌ Parents may have to cut working hours or leave jobs due to a lack of childcare and what places are left will charge higher costs to the paying parents as Childcare Providers look to re-coup losses.
❌ Children will lose access to vital early years education that shapes their future, a fact that Welsh Government promotes this when highlighting their scheme when looking to attract your votes.
Settings have closed already!
Childcare Providers should not have to fight to survive. Families should not have to struggle to find care for their children. If we don’t act now, the future of Childcare and Early Years Education in Wales is at serious risk.

Status

This petition was considered completed by the Petitions Committee at its meeting on 06/10/2025.

Full details of the consideration of this petition by the Committee and related documents can be seen on the Meetings tab above.

It was first considered by the Petitions Committee on 14/07/2025.

Senedd Constituency and Region

• Newport West
• South Wales East

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