Deputy minister Huw Lewis, who launched the Welsh Assembly Government's childcare policy statement 'Nurturing Children - Supporting Families', outlined plans to improve childcare.
He said, 'Evidence shows that employment, particularly full time employment, protects against poverty. Childcare is a vital building block for ensuring that parents are able to access employment opportunities.'
Mr Lewis added that the quality of childcare provision in Wales was also important. He said, 'Childcare is not just somewhere to go while parents are working. It is also about improving outcomes for children, particularly those living in low-income families.'
He also spelled out the importance of a good early years workforce and pledged to promote professional development and focus on updating and upskilling the workforce.
He said, 'We want to encourage more people into the childcare sector with qualifications that lead to employment. It is essential that we work to raise the profile of the childcare sector and the status of its profession. We must remember that the child comes first in childcare and continue to strive to give each child a flying start in life.'
The policy statement was welcomed by Richard Jones, acting director for National Childminding Association Cymru, who said it showed 'a real intent on behalf of the government to support children, families and communities'.
He added, 'Launched on the same day as NCMA's manifesto for home-based childcare, it underlines our call to improve access to high-quality childcare, increase training and support for registered childminders, and recognise the role of home-based childcare in reducing child poverty.'
