Flying Start is a Welsh Government programme available in certain areas to support families with children aged 0-4 years.
It promotes language, cognitive, social and emotional skills, physical development and the early identification of high needs through the delivery of health support, parenting groups, early language support and free part-time childcare.
In April 2022 the Welsh Government announced a phased plan to expand early years provision to all two-year-olds in Wales. The first phase of this programme began in September 2022 and phase 2 will take place from April 2023.
Families who live in the newly eligible areas will be contacted directly.
To see if your address is included, please email [email protected] with your name, address and postcode along with a brief description of your enquiry.
If you live within the set catchment area, you are eligible to access these services.
Childcare
Learning through play is important to a young child’s development. Play improves the cognitive, physical, social and emotional well-bring of children.
The ethos of our childcare is to ensure that all children have the opportunity to explore, have fun and develop their creative and imaginative thoughts through free play, in a safe and caring environment with highly qualified and experienced childcare staff.
We know that children's experience in their early years can have an impact on the rest of their lives.
We are committed to working in partnership with parents to ensure that these experiences are positive and happy for parents and children.
Parenting
Email [email protected] to ask about parenting courses in your area or speak to your health visitor or any member of Flying Start staff.
Parenting programmes are delivered by a team of experienced Family Intervention Delivery Officers (FIDOs) working with the Flying Start health visitors.
Early Language support
Early language and communication is supported by a team of language and play delivery officers and support workers, supported by a speech and language therapist.
Group sessions include:
Tiny talkers
A group for parents and children aged 7-18 months to develop adult interaction strategies that support communication development.
Other early support groups are available by referral to the Early Support Team. You can speak with your Health Visitor or a member of the Flying Start team for further information.
Health
Living in a Flying Start Area allows your child and family access to health groups and programmes with support and guidance through pregnancy until your child is four years old.
Health visitors
Families living in a Flying Start area with children under four are allocated a Flying Start health visitor to help children, families and communities to reach their potential and achieve the best health and well being.
The health visitor will support the family the entire time the child is in the programme.
Flying Start health visitors have a reduced caseload which allows them to make regular and longer visits with children and their families to identify and meet their needs.
Midwives
Newport's Flying Start midwives encourage the adoption of a healthy ante-natal lifestyle and deliver health messages which could improve the health and wellbeing of the whole family.
Midwife referrals are targeted at the most vulnerable families with health, personal or social issues.
The midwives lead ante-natal parenting classes and breast feeding support groups as well as supporting families at home.
Nursery nurses
Flying Start nursery nurses support families at home and in the community settings, providing health advice and information on baby massage, breast feeding, weaning, healthy eating, dental health, weigh and play groups and the Newport home safety scheme.
Mental health practitioner
The mental health practitioner supports people suffering from mental ill health.
Newport has a support group for women suffering postnatal depression and a counselling service which supports families.
Contact
To find out more, contact Newport Family Information Service on 01633 210842 or email [email protected].
Privacy notice - Flying start (pdf)