Milton Keynes City Council is number one in the region for families accessing free early years education and childcare for two-year-olds and is beating national figures by 14%.
In new figures released by Government, 79% of eligible two-year-olds have a place at an approved pre-school, nursery, or childminder in MK, compared to just 65% nationwide.
In neighbouring council areas, take up ranges from 54% in North Northants to 65% in Bedford.
The City Council proactively guides families to the ‘Time for Twos’ scheme, which gives parents in receipt of certain benefits up to 15 hours of fully funded early years education per week, for a maximum of 38 weeks per year. Some children with special needs or disabilities are also eligible.
“We’ve been working hard in Milton Keynes to ensure that all eligible families are aware of free early years education. The extra time spent around other children and supported by professionals, can really help with early development, and builds confidence in children before they move into school. The scheme also helps some parents who may be finding it difficult to balance childcare with opportunities to work.
There are lots of great options for local families as 98% of early years settings and childminders in MK are rated Good or better by Government watchdog Ofsted.”
Parents may also be eligible for tax credits, tax free childcare or universal credits. Find out more, including how to access Time for Twos at www.timefortwos.com.