Young families have saved nearly £3m thanks to a childcare scheme in Gwynedd, according to council chiefs.

Since the childcare scheme was launched in Gwynedd in September 2017, more than 1,400 Gwynedd three and four year-olds have benefited, saving a total of £2.6m in childcare costs for parents.

The Childcare Offer for Wales is a Welsh Government-funded scheme, which is administered locally by a specialist team of Gwynedd Council staff, helps parents apply and find childcare providers.

Cllr Dilwyn Morgan, Gwynedd Council Cabinet member for children and young people, said: “Securing good, affordable childcare is one of the most important issues facing young families.

“This childcare scheme means parents know that they can return to work safe in the knowledge that their child is in good hands.

“Since the scheme was launched in Gwynedd, a specialist team of council staff has been working with the childcare sector to ensure that working families make the most of the help available.

“So far, more than 165 Gwynedd childcare providers have signed-up to the scheme.

“This important scheme has significantly reduced the financial burden that childcare can bring and has allowed numerous parents to return to work. As a council, we would urge any families who believe that they could benefit to get in touch with the team so that they can help them apply.”

The Welsh Government-funded scheme offers 30 hours a week of early education and childcare.

It is available to working parents of three and four year-olds for up to 48 weeks of the year.

To be eligible, your child must be aged three or four and is able to access part time Foundation Phase Education and you must work and earn the equivalent of at least 16 hours at national living wage or national minimum wage; or are in receipt of specific caring benefits.

Parents or child care providers in Gwynedd who require further information are welcome to contact the Gwynedd and Anglesey Childcare Unit on email: [email protected]u or call 01248 352436.