Hundreds eligible for early learning help

PARENTS are being urged to sign up to a Government scheme providing up to 570 hours a year of free early education.

From September, North Somerset families with a two-year-old child could be entitled to the 15 hours per week of childcare from one of the area’s providers.

North Somerset Council is asking parents to sign up now to allow plenty of time to choose a provider.

All three to four-year-olds are entitled to early education, but the Government has committed to providing for 20 per cent of the least advantaged children with early learning – a move set to provide for 378 eligible two-year-olds in North Somerset.

A spokesman for the council said: “Research highlights the key role of families and the importance of high-quality early childcare in supporting children’s learning and development.

“The foundation years from birth to five are critical to children’s life chances.

“Most children who are developing well at the end of their foundation years go on to achieve well in both school and life.”

To qualify for the scheme, parents must be in receipt of income support, income-based jobseeker’s allowance, employment support allowance, child tax credits up to £16,190, support under part six of the Immigration and Asylum Act or a guarantee element of state pension credit.

To find out more go to www.n-somersetcsd.org.uk or call 01934 426300.