Information for Providers

The Childcare Offer for Wales provides 30 hours a week of funded early education and childcare for eligible working parents of 3 to 4 year olds, for up to 48 weeks of the year.

The Offer consists of a combination of the existing Early Education provision open to all 3 and 4 year olds in NPT via maintained schools, and additional funded childcare.

Do I need to deliver the Early Education to deliver the childcare element of the offer?

No. Some children will continue to access early education in maintained settings. Childcare providers do not need to deliver both the early education and childcare elements of the offer.

All 3 year olds will access the foundation phase in school based settings.

How much will providers receive?

Childcare providers will receive £5.00 per child per hour. If you normally charge more than this, you cannot ask parents to pay a top up rate.

Can we charge for extras?

You can charge for additional elements such as food, transport and off-site activities which incur a cost. The Welsh Government has guidance on additional fees. The Welsh Government guidelines in respect of setting additional fees under the offer for a full day care session (approximately 10 hours) are that parents should not be charged more than £9.00per day (this would include three meals at £2.50 per meal and 2 snacks at a charge of 75p per snack).

For a half-day session (approximately 5.5 hours) parents should not be charged more than £5.75 (two meals at £2.50 per meal plus a snack at a charge of 75p per snack). For sessional care where a meal is not provided but children receive a snack, guidelines are that parents should not be charged more than 75p per day for snack provision

Are there any support organisations available to help?

Yes, the following organisations offer support to childcare providers:

• https://www.pacey.org.uk/
• https://walesppa.org/
• https://www.ndna.org.uk/
• https://www.cwlwm.org.uk/
• https://www.clybiauplantcymru.org/

How to apply

Parents applying for Childcare Offer hours to be provided in January 2023 will apply through the new service from the autumn term of 2022. Childcare providers will need to have created an account on the new service prior to that. 

Prior to January 2023 - To become a registered Childcare provider under The Childcare Offer for Wales, please complete the form below and email to childcareoffer@npt.gov.uk or by post to Ffrwydwyllt House, Taibach, SA13 1PZ.

 *Please ensure you complete the unique tax reference (UTR) section on the form before returning.

Who can I contact for further information?

You can contact Neath Port Talbot Council’s Childcare Offer Team by emailing childcareoffer@npt.gov.uk