From April 29, 2019, eligible families across Powys will be able to claim 30 hours of government funded early education and childcare for up to 48 weeks of the year as part of the new Childcare Offer for Wales.

The offer will consist of a combination of existing early education provided by the foundation phase which is currently available to three and four-year-olds, and the additional funded childcare for eligible families.

If you have a child aged three to four, live in Powys and earn a weekly minimum equivalent of 16 hours at national living wage you may be eligible to apply. To find out more visit www.powys.gov.uk/fis

Powys County Councillor Myfanwy Alexander, the Cabinet member for Learning and Welsh Language said: ‘‘Helping families balance the demands of work and family is a priority. This Welsh government plan will help families with that balance whilst at the same time providing learners with an excellent start in life.”

The Child Care Offer has been piloted in Powys in Gwernyfed, Ystradgynlais and the Upper Swansea Valley since January this year. The offer will be available to eligible families across the whole of the county from the start of the summer term (April 29, 2019).

Childcare providers have attended events across the county for information, advice and support on how they can prepare for the offer.

The processing of the applications is being done with colleagues in Ceredigion County Council and teams in Powys have been working closely with them to help bring the offer to families in Powys.