MORE than 33,000 children living in some of Wales’ most disadvantaged communities benefited from free childcare between April and December last year, new figures have shown.

The statistics released by the Welsh Government show it is on course to meet its target of bringing Flying Start services to at last 36,000 two and three-year-olds between April 2015 and March 2016.

Flying Start provides 12.5 hours of free childcare to children in disadvantaged areas in Wales, supports them with developing their speech and communication skills and offers help to their parents.

The Welsh Government’s communities minister Lesley Griffiths welcomed the figures.

“Giving children the best possible start in life has been one of this government’s key priorities, which is why we have invested almost half a billion pounds in the scheme since 2006,” she said.

“Our communities are reaping the rewards of this investment, with thousands more families now able to access high quality childcare, support for children’s speech, language, and communication, as well as parenting support, and an enhanced health visitor service.”

Under the Welsh Government’s draft budget for the 2016-2016 financial year the project’s funding - £77m a year – will be maintained.