THE search is on to find the ‘Stars’ in children’s lives from the Vale of Glamorgan.

Parents of a scheme which has given 12,597 children a flying start in life are being asked to nominate the stars in their children’s lives by Communities and Tackling Poverty Minister Lesley Griffiths.

Across Wales Flying Start helped 37,260 children last year alone, which means the Welsh Government has well exceeded its ambitious target to double the number of children and their families benefiting from Flying Start from 18,000 to 36,000 by May 2016 more than a year early.

Flying Start is the Welsh Government’s flagship early years programme which provides quality part-time childcare for 2-3 year olds, an enhanced Health Visiting service, parenting support and support for the development of children’s speech, language and communication.

The awards highlight the crucial help and support provided by health visitors, midwives, childcare providers and parenting and family support specialists to children across Wales.

Figures from 2013-14 show 1,302 children in the Vale of Glamorgan benefit from the scheme.

The awards are for Flying Start staff who work with families in Flying Start areas. These are some of the most disadvantaged areas of Wales.

Parents, grandparents and carers can nominate a Flying Start worker or organisation which has made an outstanding contribution to their children’s development or has had a positive impact on their family’s life.

Nominations close on September 14 and forms are available from local Flying Start centres, via the Family Information Service, or can be made online at facebook.com/FlyingStartWales.