“Lib Dems deliver even more funding for free early years education in Northamptonshire” Cllr. Jill Hope

The Government has today [2 September] announced additional funding to provide free early years education to two-year olds across England. In Northamptonshire, the allocation will more than double the number of eligible children, from 1576 this year to 3800 in 2014.

This will ensure that families in the greatest need will be eligible for 15 hours of free childcare a week with a nursery or childminder.

The Government is investing more than £500 million into childcare this year and £100 million through local authorities to create new places to ensure those children eligible right now can benefit from these places.

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said:

"From today, if you're a parent on a low income with a two year old in the family your child will qualify for 15 hours a week of free early years' education.

"These funded places are focused on helping the families that need them most."

Next year the Government will be investing £760m to help an additional 130,000 two-year-olds in families on less than £16,190 a year who receive working tax credits.

Cllr Jill Hope, the Lib Dem education spokesperson at County Hall commented:

"This is a welcome announcement for families in Northamptonshire. Early education helps promote a child's physical, emotional and social development. This extra support for low income families is another real Liberal Democrat achievement that is making the difference to families locally."