New Welsh Minister announced for Mental Health and Early Years
First Minister Vaughan Gething has today announced his new Welsh Government Cabinet which includes the appointment of a Minister for Mental Health and Early Years.
Jayne Bryant MS, is announced as the Minister for Mental Health & Early Years and is part of the ministerial team ‘for a Wales full of optimism, ambition and unity.’
Jayne was the chair of the Senedd’s Children, Young People and Education Committee where NDNA have presented evidence on behalf of the sector about challenges in early childhood play, learning and care.
Speaking on this announcement, Vaughan Gething said:
“I’m incredibly proud to bring together a government drawn from all parts of Wales to serve the whole of our nation, with progressive politics at its heart. In particular, I am pleased to appoint a Minister for Mental Health and Early Years to ensure we deliver in the first 1,000 days of the life of every child.”
Purnima Tanuku OBE, Chief Executive of National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) Cymru, said: “The appointment of Jayne Bryant MS as Minister for Mental Health and Early Years is positive news for the sector, showing the Welsh Government’s commitment to getting it right in a child’s earliest years.
“The new First Minister campaigned on expanding the existing funded childcare offer and this appointment shows the importance that this policy area will have. We look forward to working with the new Minister on her priorities and supporting children, staff and providers across the sector.
“NDNA’s First Five Years Count campaign showcases the important learning happening at this stage of a child’s life when up to 90% of brain development takes place. Our research also shows that early years settings are struggling against a backdrop of rising costs and stagnant funding for places. A review of the funding rates needs to be a top priority for the new Minister. We hope that the current challenges on funding and workforce can be addressed before further expansion plans are looked at.”
- Wales
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