“By the time our new offer is fully rolled out, every child aged 9 months to 4 years will be entitled to 20 hours of free childcare every week, for 48 weeks a year.”

Where it stands

A pledge about Wales, where childcare is devolved. The Welsh Government's Programme for Government 2026 to 2030 commits to a new childcare offer from 9 months to 4 years, building to 20 hours a week for 48 weeks a year, so the card is In plan. The existing offer for 3 and 4-year-olds of working parents stays.

What has happened

1. Apr 2026Plaid Cymru launches its Senedd manifesto with a new childcare offer from 9 months, Promised
2. Sep 2026The Welsh Government's Programme for Government 2026 to 2030 commits to the new childcare offer, In plan evidence

About the cost

Year shown: the end of the Senedd term, 2030-31. The manifesto gives no cost; the IFS says Plaid Cymru propose increasing spending on childcare by around £400 million a year by the end of the parliament, and warns take-up for the youngest children could push it higher. Low–high is an editorial ±10% because the source gives a central figure only.

• IFS: Initial response to Plaid Cymru's manifesto (9 Apr 2026)

More detail

Related promises

• Adjust the State Pension triple lock from 2030HM GovernmentPromised
• Enact the Socio-Economic DutyBridget Phillipson · LabourPromised
• Remove the two-child limit in fullRachel Reeves · LabourDelivered