Tackling Child Poverty through Childcare - Joyce praises local and national efforts to halve child poverty by 2010

GETTING parents back into work, increasing the number of childcare places and support for local voluntary groups will help Wales halve child poverty by 2010 says Welsh Labour.

Mid & West Wales Assembly Member Joyce Watson AM has welcomed Welsh Labour Education Minister Jane Hutt's announcement of £10.4 million in grants for voluntary groups who seek to tackle child poverty and promote family support services.

The Minister also guaranteed further funding for childcare projects in order to help parents get back into work.

JOYCE WATSON AM said:

High quality childcare makes a big difference to families, teaching life skills and allowing many parents to take a wider range of better-paid work.

“Projects such as ContinYou’s Cook-it! initiative in Hubberston VC Primary School in Milford Haven allow parents to work extra hours while teaching our children useful skills, which they then take back into their homes.

“I remember how hard it was raising my own family when they were young, and I welcome this investment in our hard working families.

“This extra money for worthy organisations like playgroups, kids' clubs and nurseries will help children in Pembrokeshire get the flying start in life they deserve.

“I am delighted that the Assembly Government will support successors to the Genesis Wales project. At the end of last year, the project had provided over 10,000 childcare places and was able to give young mums the support they needed to get back into work.

“I am pleased the Minister will continue funding a similar project this year. This kind of grass roots support to end child poverty will ensure we can eradicate child poverty in Wales by 2020.

“I am proud that Welsh Labour is committed to halving child poverty in Wales by 2010 and has made this a top priority.”