Flying Start
A Flying Start in Life
The first of the Welsh Assembly Government's Seven Core Aims for children and young people, (based on the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child) is a commitment to ensure that all children have a flying start in life. International research shows the potential short and long term economic paybacks for early years' investment. This has led to the development and implementation of the Flying Start Programme.
The programme is delivered in specific areas across Wales with the aim of supporting families to give children aged 0-3 years a better start in life - A Flying Start. This Programme aims to make a difference to children in their earliest years of life by focussing on:
Who Can Get Support
Flying Start Services are available to all families with children under 4 years of age who live in a Flying Start area. Every borough in Wales will have it's own Flying Start lead manager who can let you know if you are entitled to Flying Start support in your area.
Where are these areas in Torfaen?
The Flying Start areas in Torfaen are based on the following school catchment areas:
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Hillside Primary School, Blaenavon
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Pontnewynydd Primary School, Pontypool
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Penygarn Community Primary School, Pontypool
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Woodlands Community Primary School, Cwmbran
You should have been informed by your Midwife or Health Visitor if your child is eligible to benefit from Flying Start, but if you think that you may live in a Flying Start area and are pregnant or have a child under four years of age call Torfaen Family Information Service on 0800 0196 330 who will check whether the postcode of the house where you live is within a Flying Start area.
What are the services?
Enhanced Health Visiting: the Flying Start Health Team will offer extra support and advice throughout pregnancy and the first years of your child's life. They will be able to help families with babies and toddlers with breast feeding, bottle feeding and weaning.
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Speech and Early Language Skills
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Behaviour
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Play Activities
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Healthy Lifestyles
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Family Support for parents/carers and siblings
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Child Development
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Safety
Childcare: Free childcare for 2-3 year olds for 2.5 hours a day, 5 days a week, 42 weeks a year. If you live in a Flying Start area, your child may be able to access free part-time childcare where staff are highly qualified, trained and CRB checked.
Child well-being is clearly related to the nature of the household; living in a house where no adults work has consistently been shown to be associated with poorer outcomes for children. The provision of childcare can also remove barriers for some parents from work, but in the Flying Start Programme the needs of children is the central focus.
Parenting: Parenting courses, such as Family Links Nurturing Programme or Incredible Years, Sure Start groups for parents with children - such as Baby Clubs.
Basic Skills: Support, such as Language and Play or Number and Play - where children and parents learn and play together either in groups or at home. Support from the Moving On Project - to support adults with their learning needs at home or in groups. There is evidence that early language development is the most critical factor for personal, social and economic benefits.
If you would like more information please contact:
Nia Richards Flying Start Co-ordinator
Tel: 01495 742100
Email: nia.richards@torfaen.gov.uk|