Julian has welcomed news that the Government has extended the entitlement of 15 hours of free early education for two year olds to a further 1,800 two year olds in in North Yorkshire and 260,000 across the country.
This is on top of the 116,000 two-year olds who already benefit from this free childcare and builds on the entitlement of 15 free hours a week 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 tax-free childcare from autumn 2015 which will see all eligible families receive up to £2,000 towards each child's childcare costs.
Julian said:
“All the evidence suggests that some children from more challenging backgrounds currently start primary school up to 19 months behind their peers and we have to do all we can to close that gap.
“The Conservative-led Government is doing more to recognise this by extending 15 hours a week of free provision to the most disadvantaged two year olds, where it is needed most.
“It will help a further 1,800 children in North Yorkshire have the very best start in life so they can go on to fulfil their potential.”