The Welsh Government is planning to launch a new digital system to support childcare offers in the country.
Named the Childcare Offer for Wales, it will replace the different systems currently used by local authorities, providing the same application process and payment schedules.
A small number of providers are being lined up to use the system on a pilot basis from February of next year, with the full roll out scheduled for the following summer term of the school year.
According to a digital and data blog from the Welsh Government, it has been working with local authorities and the childcare sector on developing the service.
It will operate in English and Welsh and be supported by a communications campaign targeted at parents, ready for applications for childcare places from July.
The Welsh Government said the existing arrangement of different systems has often proved problematic for childcare providers dealing with different local authorities.
Image from iStock, Zurijeta
