The Flying Start Network

Flying Start is the Welsh Government targeted Early Years programme for families with children under 4 years of age in some of the most deprived areas of Wales.  Children in Wales co-ordinates this network of Flying Start Co-ordinators, which works to ensure that the Flying Start Programme delivers the full entitlements to all those who are eligible to them and that the programme is delivered consistently across Wales. Members of the network make this a reality by:

• Discussing all relevant issues and progress with Welsh Government
• Discussing and collaborating on relevant guidance for the Programme
• Working in partnership to seek improvements in policy and practice.
• Enabling up-to-date knowledge of innovative practice, research and policy to be shared.

The work of the network is informed by the evidence gathered through a variety of sources including the monitoring of population based outcomes and performance measures, research findings from evaluation studies and through the learning gained from the lived experience of children, families and professionals.  The ongoing commissioned evaluation of the programme is a key driver for improvements and action.

The whole network meets in mid-Wales at least four times a year.  There are also interim meetings between the Chair and Deputy Chair of the network with government colleagues when needed.

Membership

Membership of the network is closed.  It consists of the 22 Flying Start Coordinators from each local authority and Welsh Government officials.  There are also invited contributors.

Contact Details

For more information about the Flying Start Network please contact: Lynne Hill, Policy Director, tel: 029 20342434, e-mail: lynne.hill@childreninwales.org.uk