Kirklees Council is bringing forward plans to spend £7.1m for free early years education and care for two-year-olds.

As part of government proposals it has to provide 15 hours of free care for eligible families.

Kirklees Council had already began the scheme to assist 20% of those eligible - and they’re planning to help another 20% even earlier by bringing it forward four months.

Yesterday Cabinet heard that 1,052 children have benefited with another 116 children now eligible after the criteria was extended. Overall, up to 2,900 children could soon benefit as the programme continues.

Clr Peter O’Neill, Cabinet member for education, said: “There is so much evidence that having a good start in life is crucial to a child’s life changes.”

He said that the scheme has created 250 jobs and provided 32 young people with work experience placements in six months. And the job creation hasn’t just been in the childcare setting.

Clr Cath Harris, joint Cabinet member for education, added: “It has had a positive effect in training and workplace opportunities for parents, enabling them to develop skills and enter the workplace at a much higher level.”

Low paid working parents with a fee-paying place will get support and families can now meet the eligibility criteria if they qualify for free school meals; receive Working Tax credits and have annual gross earnings of no more than £16,190 per year; have a current statement of SEN or an Education, Health and Care plan; attract Disability Living Allowance; are looked after by the council or they have left care through special guardianship or an adoption or residence order.

The council extended its own scheme to include 20 children who have a child protection plan or are classed at a cost of £55,290.

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