Study Finds Wales' Flying Start Program Cuts Social Service Needs for Young Children
A new academic study shows that children born in Wales' Flying Start areas are far less likely to require social-service intervention or enter care.
An extensive study by academics at Cardiff University and the University of Bristol examined records for more than 126,000 Welsh children and concluded that birth in a Flying Start area reduces the chance of receiving a care and support plan by about 35% and lowers the likelihood of becoming a looked-after child by over 40%, with the strongest effect for mothers aged 21 or younger. The research did not find any change in the number of children on the Child Protection Register.
Findings come amid debate over the Welsh Government’s plan to fund universal childcare for two-year-olds, which some fear could jeopardise Flying Start. The government has denied any cuts, insisting the new “Welsh Government funded childcare” will complement existing services. Former Children’s Commissioner Sally Holland and co-author Meng Le Zhang urged policymakers to expand the holistic support model, citing long-term cost savings and reduced family trauma.
Why it matters
Shows targeted early-years support can lower child welfare interventions and guide childcare policy.
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