Mary Macleod has welcomed the news that, from this week, the Government has extended the entitlement of 15 hours of free early education to the 40% of most disadvantaged two year olds.
Already 116,000 two-year olds benefit from this free childcare and this week’s announcement extends this eligibility to more than 260,000 children, including 1,600 in Hounslow.
This 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% 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.
Mary, who has also recently been campaigning for more primary school places locally, said:
“Children from disadvantaged backgrounds currently start primary school up to 19 months behind their peers. In 21st century Britain this is unacceptable. It is great news that the Government has recognised this and is extending 15 hours a week of free provision to the most disadvantaged two years olds. This will help provide 1,600 children in Hounslow with the very best start in life so that they can go on to fulfil their potential.”
To be eligible parents must be getting one of the following:
- § Income Support
- § income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- § income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- § support through part 6 of the Immigration and Asylum Act
- § the guaranteed element of State Pension Credit
- § Child Tax Credit (but not Working Tax Credit) and have an annual income not over £16,190
- § the Working Tax Credit 4-week run on (the payment you get when you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit)
- § Working Tax Credits and earn £16,190 a year or less
Children are also entitled to a place if:
- · they’re looked after by a local council
- · they have a current statement of special education needs (SEN) or an education health and care plan
- · they get Disability Living Allowance
- · they’ve left care under a special guardianship order, child arrangements order or adoption order
Parents can visit https://www.gov.uk/free-early-educationto find out more about their entitlement.