The subject committee, the Equality and Social Justice Committee, has within this Senedd term published two reports on childcare, in 2022 and then in 2024 as well. So, there's been lots of consideration from the main subject committee. The petition highlights the difference in the roll-out of the childcare offer, both in terms of scale and eligibility.
The previous UK Government announced the roll-out of funded childcare to be implemented from September last year, providing 30 hours of Government-funded childcare for working parents for children from nine months old. In practical terms, that hasn't been fully delivered across the country. There's been a challenge about having a workforce plan and actually having staff in place. So, it's available in some parts of the country across the border, but not all.
In comparison, in Wales, there is a roll-out as part of the previous co-operation agreement to try to roll out childcare to two-year-olds and under, although that won't be fully delivered within this term. The Wales offer for three-year-olds is more generous than in England because there are 48 weeks of provision. So, there's a longer provision than exists in England, but not for the same age group.
So, there is a difference between Wales and England, and the petitioners, understandably, want to reduce the costs of childcare, and they also want to see a roll-out happen so that childcare is available for younger children. It's fair to say that, with an election coming up, every party will be looking at childcare in their manifesto. The Minister's response notes that. And this is a matter, given that we're voting on the budget tomorrow, where it's important to recognise that money will matter about not just how much can be afforded, but then actually being able to get all the staff in place as well.
In Wales, parents who are going to education and training are also eligible for the childcare offer. So, the eligibility about which parents are eligible, the number of weeks, and the age at which the offer is available in Wales will be part of what takes place in the election, I'm sure, and definitely in the next Senedd. I'd be surprised if there isn't at least one more report from the subject committee in the next Senedd term.
I don't think at this point that there is anything further that can be pursued with the Minister, not just on the basis of time. I think we should thank the petitioners for highlighting what will continue to be an important issue, not just in the run-up to May, but well beyond as well, important for parents and, indeed, the success of the economy here in Wales. My view is that we should close the petition, and it's a matter for political parties to make clear what their offer is and how they're going to fund it, and then whoever makes up the next Government to deliver the improvements that I'm sure right across parties in and outside the Senedd we'd all like to see.