The Coalition Government has announced additional funding to provide free early years education to two-year olds across England. 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.

This is an investment of 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.

In Bury this means that 1,100 two year olds will now be eligible for this support.

This was an announcement by the Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg: “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.

You can read more about how the Liberal Democrats in Government are helping support people work by helping with childcare and early years help on the Government website here.