Critical workers in Carmarthenshire can now apply for free childcare for 0-3 year-olds during the coronavirus outbreak.
The Welsh Government has announced that it is providing funding to all local authorities in Wales to support the cost of childcare for pre-school children of parents whose jobs are critical to Wales’ response to COVID-19.
Children who are considered vulnerable will also be included in the scheme.
Under the Coronavirus Childcare Assistance Scheme, a parent / guardian is eligible to receive Government-funded childcare if:
- They have a child, or children, of pre-school age; and
- They are a critical worker;
It is important that parents follow Government advice and keep their children at home where possible to help contain the spread of coronavirus (Covid-19). However, if you are a critical worker, and your child cannot stay at home, then your childcare will be prioritised.
Parents should only apply for childcare to cover their working hours; and if the child/children cannot be cared for by a spouse or other family member.
Evidence of eligibility of critical worker status will be required as part of the application process.
All parents, including those who already have a childcare provider in place, must complete the online application form on a fortnightly basis to book their childcare.
Critical workers that have paid for childcare provision from April 1 will be reimbursed.
Executive Board Member for Education and Children’s Services Cllr Glynog Davies said: “It is vital that we provide this support for our critical workers, who are doing all they can to help in the fight against coronavirus.
“Staff from the Family Information Service have had to put this scheme in place very quickly and I want to thank them for their hard work. I also want to thank parents for their patience whilst we have been setting up the application process.
“Childcare providers have a critical role to play to help us keep essential services running and I also want to thank them and all their staff for the fantastic job they are doing in supporting our response to the coronavirus crisis during this very difficult time for everyone.”
The deadline to apply for the first round of applications is Thursday, April 23 at 3pm, applicants will receive an email to confirm their eligibility.
To apply for childcare go to newsroom.carmarthenshire.gov.wales/coronavirus
Please visit the Family Information Service website for information on childcare providers that are open to critical workers during the coronavirus pandemic; or for further information please email [email protected].
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