FLYING START

Flying Start at Gilfach Goch Community Association

At Gilfach Goch Community Association, our Flying Start childcare setting offers a warm, welcoming and high-quality early years’ experience where children are supported, nurtured and encouraged to thrive from the very beginning of their learning journey.

Flying Start is a Welsh Government initiative, delivered locally in partnership with Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council (RCTCBC). It is designed to give children the very best start in life, ensuring they have access to high-quality childcare, early intervention support, and opportunities that help them build strong foundations for the future.

At the GGCA, we are proud to have been delivering Flying Start since 2007 and to witness this fantastic offer for families in our community.

A safe, caring and inspiring early years environment

Our Flying Start setting is built around one simple belief – when children feel safe, happy and secure, they flourish.

Every day, children are welcomed into a calm, friendly and stimulating environment where they can explore, play, learn and grow at their own pace. Our experienced early years team creates opportunities that are both fun and purposeful, blending structured activities with child-led exploration.

From messy play and storytelling to outdoor discovery and creative expression, every experience is designed to spark curiosity and build confidence.

What Flying Start offers families

Flying Start is more than childcare, it is a fully supported early years package designed to make a real difference for children and parents alike.

Families who access Flying Start at Gilfach Goch Community Association benefit from:

High-quality, funded childcare for eligible 2–3 year olds
A safe, nurturing and inclusive learning environment
Qualified, experienced early years practitioners
Regular opportunities for learning through play
Strong links with health, family support and early intervention services
A consistent routine that supports emotional security and development

This joined-up approach ensures families are not just accessing childcare, but a full network of support during the most important early years of a child’s life.

Positive outcomes for children

Flying Start is designed to help children build the essential skills they need for lifelong learning. At the GGCA, we focus on outcomes that truly matter:

Growing confidence and independence
Strong early communication and language development
Positive social skills and friendships
Emotional resilience and wellbeing
Early problem-solving and curiosity
Readiness for nursery and school transition

Every child is supported as an individual, with learning tailored to their needs, interests and developmental stage.

What parents tell us they value most

Families often share how Flying Start at the GGCA has made a real difference to their lives. The feedback we hear most often reflects trust, relief and genuine appreciation:

“I feel so reassured knowing my child is in a safe, caring environment. The staff are amazing and really take time to understand my child.” Parent of 2 year old boy

“The support isn’t just for my child – it’s for our whole family. We feel listened to and included every step of the way.” Parent of 2 year old girl

"My child has come on so much since starting. Their confidence and language have improved massively, and they are always excited to go in.” Parent of 3 year old

“It’s made such a difference having access to funded childcare that is this good. It has taken a huge pressure off our family as it helps keep our childcare costs down and enables me to stay in employment.” Parent of 2 year old

What children experience every day

Children in our Flying Start setting enjoy a rich, playful and engaging environment where learning feels natural and exciting:

Quotes from children aged 2-3 years:
“I played in the paint and made a big picture!”
“I have lots of friends here!”
“I like story time – it’s fun!”
“I built a tower all by myself!”
“I don’t want to go home yet!”

These simple but powerful moments reflect exactly what Flying Start is about – happiness, confidence and discovery through play.

Working together for the best start in life

At the GGCA, we are proud to deliver the Welsh Government’s Flying Start Programme as it enables us to ensure every eligible child receives the support, care and opportunities they deserve.

Our childcare team is passionate about creating a setting where children feel valued, parents feel supported, and every family feels part of something positive and uplifting.

If you would like to find out more about Flying Start at Gilfach Goch or check eligibility, please get in touch with our friendly team on 01443 675004. We are always happy to help and welcome new families into our setting.