The Government announced this week that it is extending the entitlement of 15 hours of free early education to the 40 per cent of most disadvantaged two-year-olds, to help them fulfil their potential in life.
116,000 two-year-olds already benefit from this free childcare and this week’s announcement extends this eligibility to more than 260,000 children, including 900 in Brighton and Hove.
15 free hours a week is already available to all three- and four-year-olds. Alongside this the Government now meets up to 70 per cent of childcare costs for low- and middle-income families through tax credits and is introducing a tax-free childcare benefit from autumn 2015, which will see all eligible families receive up to £2,000 towards childcare costs for each child.
Simon Kirby, MP for Brighton Kemptown, welcomed the news.
He said: “Evidence suggests that children from less-advantaged backgrounds currently start primary school up to 19 months behind their peers. In 21st-century Britain this is unacceptable.
“It is great news that this Conservative-led Government has recognised this and is extending 15 hours a week of free provision to the most disadvantaged two-year-olds.
“This will help to give 900 two-year-olds in Brighton and Hove the very best start in life so that they can go on to fulfil their potential.”