Flying Start

Flying Start supports families with children under the age of four who often live in some of the most deprived areas of Wales. You will find more information about what they do and advice on how to find a job in the Flying Start programme on this page.

What is Flying Start?

This Welsh Government programme aims to give all children in Wales the best possible start (flying start) in life.

Flying Start provides quality part-time childcare for 2-3-year olds. The programme supports children to learn to talk and communicate and offers an enhanced Health Visiting service. Support is also given to parents, where tips and strategies on managing behaviour, and handling feelings and relationships are offered.

To find out more about specific Flying Start programmes in your area, contact your local Family Information Service.

Flying Start childcare settings in Wales are required to meet the standards set out and enforced by Care Inspectorate Wales.

Find a jobs with Flying Start

If you’re ready to find your next role straight away, you can start right here by browsing the job vacancies listed on our website.

• Browse and apply for early years and childcare jobs via the WeCare Wales Jobs portal.
• View the website and contact details of early years employers in our jobs database.

Working in Flying Start childcare settings is a great option for anyone who is enthusiastic about children’s development through playing and learning. We made a video to highlight how important these workers are in helping children to reach their potential.

• Watch the video – “We work with Children…”

Working in early years can be a long and rewarding career. You will find job roles from sessional day care assistant practitioner, to advanced practitioner and all the way up to manager in this field. Jane gives us some great insight about her 33-year career in early years, where she emphasises how special and worthwhile it feels. You can watch Jane’s video here.

• See the Case Study – Jane, CEO at Early Years Wales

If you’re looking to take your first step into working in early years, The Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years (PACEY) has a great guide on how to get started. You can read it on the PACEY website.

• The First Steps to a Job in Child Care (PACEY Website)

Early Years Wales provide support and guidance on their website to members and individuals who are interested in, employed or volunteer in the childcare sector.

• Updates on all areas of Early Years in Wales.

Mudiad Meithrin also offer training support on their website.

• Accredited Early Years courses to work with young children.

We also recommend watching Ahmed's video on A Question of Care: a Career for YOU to find out what it’s like providing childcare for 2-3-year olds.