More families with children aged two-years-old living in Paston,
Walton and North Bretton will be able to benefit from free early
education sessions from September 2012.
Peterborough City Council is one of ten local authorities chosen
to take part in a trial being rolled out by the Department for Education to
increase free early education sessions for two-year-old
children.
The trial will launch in September 2012 and will allow families
with children who meet the eligibility criteria to access up to 15
hours free early education sessions each week. The city council
currently offers up to ten hours a week free early education for
all two-year-old children and families who meet a strict
criteria.
The trial will conclude in March 2013, prior to the nationwide
roll-out of the scheme in September 2013.
The city council will receive up to £253,000 in the current
financial year to fund the trial.
Councillor
John Holdich, Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and
University, said: “I am delighted that Peterborough has been
selected to participate in this trial. This scheme will target some
of our most vulnerable children and families and will provide
additional free early education places for two-year-olds.
“Many families who live in some of the most
disadvantaged areas of Peterborough already benefit from funding
for early education places. However, this trial will allow us to
offer the free places to every eligible two-year-old child in
Paston, Walton and North Bretton. This is a much needed development
to support families and I will look forward to seeing the positive
impact of this project."
Peterborough City Council currently offers
early education funding for all two-year-old children and families
who meet a strict criteria. The Department for Education stipulates
that the funding is aimed at the most economically disadvantaged
two-year-olds and their families. Therefore, to be eligible
children must live within one of the identified 15 per cent most
disadvantaged areas in Peterborough.
The trial, announced today (Wednesday 30 May
2012) by the Department for Education, will extend the availability
of the funding so that it includes mre families living in Paston,
Walton and North Bretton. These families will no longer need to
live within one of the 15 per cent most disadvantaged areas.
Ends.
Media contact: Amanda Rose, media officer -
telephone 01733 452304 or email media@peterborough.gov.uk.