The Welsh Government has published a written statement following the outcome of the review of the rate paid to childcare settings who deliver the Childcare Offer for Wales.

During Summer 2025, the Welsh Government sought the views of childcare settings delivering the Offer through the Childcare Offer’s Annual Survey. These findings, alongside information gathered through Care Inspectorate Wales’ Self-Assessment of Service Statement (SASS), have informed this year’s rate review.

From April 2026, the hourly rate paid to childcare providers who deliver the Childcare Offer for Wales will be £6.67 per hour (a 4.18% uplift).

There has also been an uplift of 4.18% on permissible food charges which childcare settings may charge parents who access the Offer at their setting.

The Welsh Government will also provide extra funding to uplift the Nursery Education element of the Childcare Offer for Wales and to uplift the childcare element of Flying Start.

Dawn Bowden MS, Minister for Children and Social Care said:

This 4.18% increase maintains one of the most generous comparable rates across the United Kingdom. It will help childcare settings manage the impact of the forthcoming changes to the National Living Wage and other rising costs. The Welsh Government will continue to work closely with the childcare sector plus stakeholder representatives to explore long-term, systemic ways in which we can support the sustainability of the sector and encourage its continued development within the framework of funded childcare programmes.

Further information

If you have further queries please email cymru@corampacey.org.uk