Don Foster, the MP for Bath has welcomed the Government’s announcement of additional funding to provide free early years education to two-year olds.
The poorest 20% of households across England including 250 children for Bath and North East Somerset will be provided with the funding, which will rise to 600 by 2014 as the provision is extended to the poorest 40% of households.
From today, 130,000 two-year olds from the poorest homes 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.
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.
Commenting Don Foster MP said: “I am delighted by this announcement, as education is an area in which I have been involved in throughout my life and I believe that this policy will have a noticeable impact on the performance of children from poorer backgrounds.
“Early education helps promote a child’s physical, emotional and social development.
“This extra support for low income families is a real Liberal Democrat achievement in our pursuit of a fairer society.”
Commenting further, 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.”
