PARENTS are being urged to find out if they can get free nursery places for their two-year-olds.

Households in Worcestershire in receipt of certain benefits could get up to 15 hours of free childcare a week.

Attending nursery or preschool or spending time with a childminder, all of which can offer different experiences to those at home, at this age could aid the development of a child as 80 per cent of brain development happens by the age of three. Early education gives children a broad range of knowledge and skills to get them ready for school, as well as it being a great opportunity for children to have fun and make new friends.

Parents and carers can claim free childcare if they are in receipt of benefits including child tax credits with an annual household income of less than £16,190, working tax credits with an annual household income of less than £16,190, or income support.

Application forms are automatically sent out to households who may meet these criteria, however to find out if a household could claim, visit worcestershire.gov.uk/freechildcare. The website also holds the full list of criteria and a search facility to find nurseries, preschools or childminders nearby that offer free places.

Parents and carers are also reminded that further help can be given through contacting their local children's centre.