More free nursery places in Telford & Wrekin

It follows Government plans for more families to benefit from free nursery places from September 2014.

In Telford and Wrekin, families are set to benefit much earlier when the scheme changes from January.

Free early education places can be accessed at childminders, pre-schools and nurseries that offer early education and childcare places.

To cope with the extra demand that these changes are making, Telford & Wrekin Council is currently working hard to attract and train more childminders.

This is being funded by the Government under their achieving two year olds scheme.

Councillor Paul Watling, cabinet member for children, young people and families, said: "Early education is vital for children and really helps with the transition to school, as well as encouraging creativity, and giving them the chance to express themselves socially, physically and emotionally.

"For these reasons we felt it was important to implement the changes to free early childcare places as soon as possible and this is why we are introducing ours in January, a full eight months ahead of the Governments date of September.

"We want all eligible families to benefit from the free places, so I urge everyone who meets the criteria to get in touch and find out more about taking up a place."

In order to gain a free child place, families must meet at least one of a number of criteria, which includes meet the criteria for Free School Meals, being in receipt of working tax credits and have a household gross yearly income of no more than £16,190, the child has a current statement of SEN or and Education, Health and Care Plan, the child attracts Disability Living Allowance of if the child has left care through special guardianship or an adoption or residency order.

Children will be entitled to a free place from the term after their 2nd birthday.

If their birthday falls between January 1 and March 31 they are entitled to a free place in April.

If their birthday is between April 1 and August 31 they are entitled to a place in September and if they are born between September 1 and December 31, they are entitled to a place in January.

For more information contact childcare providers directly or visit www.telford.gov.uk/talking2s or call 01952 385385.