"We might have had more children' - how Wales' childcare costs are hitting families

Ahead of the Senedd election, parties pledge different childcare policies: Labour to expand funded childcare to babies from nine months; Plaid Cymru and the Green Party to offer 20 hours per week from nine months to four years; Liberal Democrats to offer 30 hours; Conservatives to offer 30 hours or a Grandparent Childcare Payment option; Reform UK has not committed to a policy.

David Goodger, CEO of Early Years Wales, describes a fragmented funding system with multiple pathways, vulnerability to energy price shocks, and staffing challenges due to low pay, while recognizing parents’ desire for parity with England albeit with quality concerns.

Charlotte Forrester, owner of Si Lwli nurseries in Cardiff and Bath, notes Wales’ higher costs relative to England and points to challenges seen in England’s rollout, including funding shortfalls and potential fee increases if Wales expands funded hours.

Elouise Hill, living in England, says she would get 30 hours of free childcare when her daughter reaches nine months and expresses sadness for Welsh mothers elsewhere, noting the perceived postcode lottery near the border.

Amy Doyle moved to Flintshire from Chester after becoming pregnant with her six-month-old son, Dexter, and did not realise the difference in childcare offers between Wales and England.

Seddon states the nursery bill is about £350 a month for three days a week currently, after previously paying about £900 a month; she says such costs would not allow two such bills alongside other expenses.

Charlotte Seddon, on maternity leave with a three-year-old and using funded hours for him, says free childcare from nine months would have made a huge difference, estimating a £12,000 saving over the past two years if applicable. Her husband is considering leaving his job to care for their daughter due to nursery bills exceeding his pay.

The article notes that in England, parents can claim 30 hours of free childcare per week for children from nine months old.

In Wales, two funded schemes exist: the Childcare Offer, which provides up to 30 hours of free childcare per week for three- and four-year-olds for up to 48 weeks a year, and Flying Start, which provides 12.5 hours of free childcare per week to two-year-olds in eligible areas with plans to roll out to all areas.

The article cites Coram's finding that the average cost of a part-time nursery place in Wales is £166.33 per week, an 8% increase on 2025, and notes that Wales is more expensive than anywhere else in Great Britain for under-twos.