PARENTS with toddlers from a low income family in Wyre Forest could be in line for free childcare for their two-year-old.

Worcestershire County Council is supporting a growing number of funded places in an early education setting, including nurseries or registered childminders.

The move is due to a Government scheme which is being sent nationally, meaning local authorities must ensure there are places for disadvantaged two-year-olds.

Eligible children can get up to 570 free hours of childcare per year, up to a maximum of 15 hours a week, during 38 weeks per year.

To be eligible for a free place, children must be living in a household that receives one or more of: income support or income-based job seekers' allowance; income-related employment or support allowance; child tax credit, if annual income is less than £16,190 and they don't receive working tax credit; the guarantee element of state pension credit; support under Part 6 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999; or if the child is in care and looked after by the county council.

The county council is also funding places for children with additional needs, traveller children, and children of serving armed forces personnel.

County councillor Liz Eyre, cabinet member for children and families, said: “We have been offering two year old nursery funded places for several years now and results have been very encouraging.

“We will be working closely with our local childminders, and nurseries to provide high-quality places for children, which is key to helping them get a good start in life.

“Toddlers gain so much from spending time together and they learn without even knowing it – they just know they're having fun.”

For more information about the support that is available visit worcestershire.gov.uk/2yearfunding