‘FLYING Start’ is a Welsh Government programme that supports families with children under 4 years of age living in some of the most disadvantaged areas of Wales. It provides free, quality, part-time childcare for 2-3 year olds; an enhanced health visiting service; access to parenting programmes; and support for speech language and communication.

Figures published last month showed that 37,628 children benefitted from Flying Start services in Wales, (including children in the Vale of Glamorgan,) during 2016-17.

As Communities and Children’s Secretary Carl Sargeant said: "Giving children the best possible start in life is a top priority for the Welsh Government. Flying Start is a key early intervention programme, helping to improve children’s life chances and reducing the need for later remedial action…figures show that Flying Start continues to provide much needed support to families living in some of the most disadvantaged communities across Wales."

If you would like further information about Flying Start in the Vale of Glamorgan see below for contact details:

Flying Start, Skomer Road, Barry, CF62 9DA

Tel: 01446 732180

flyingstart@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk

Finally, as some of you may be aware, a sculpture made up of thousands of ceramic red poppies to mark the centenary of World War One, was formally opened last week outside the Senedd building in Cardiff Bay.

Since the iconic exhibition was first unveiled at the Tower of London in 2014, 2.7m people have seen the poppy sculptures on their tour of the UK, and it is wonderful to see them here in Wales.

888,246 ceramic poppies, each one planted by a volunteer in memory of the life of a British and Colonial soldier lost during the First World War, were on display in London.

This mesmerising and poignant sculpture will be on display at the Senedd until September 24 and I would encourage people to come and visit this beautiful structure. Alongside the ‘Weeping Window’ the National Assembly for Wales will also host an exhibition titled ‘Women, War and Peace.’

I look forward to welcoming the Barry and District Royal British Legion to the Senedd for a visit to see the poppies with a tour of the building.

Jane Hutt AM