KIRKLEES Council will receive more than £10m to give thousands more families access to free childcare and early years support.
Children’s Minister Beverley Hughes has announced that, as part of a national £819m package, the district will receive £10.3m over three years.
In Kirklees more than £9m will be spent to extend free nursery entitlement to thousands of three and four-year-olds.
Money will also be spent across the district to develop training for childcare professionals and extend access to training and materials to allow early years workers to help young children develop their speaking and listening skills.
“Buddying” arrangements made between staff in early years settings and schools will also be developed to help the transition to primary school.
Calderdale is also set to benefit from the cash injection and will receive £2.2m over the three years.
Miss Hughes said: “Every child deserves the best possible start in life.
“That’s why we’re ensuring families can get good quality childcare easily.”
