PARENTS with toddlers in Bromsgrove and Droitwich could be able to claim up to 15 hours of free childcare for their two-year-old every week as part of a new scheme being organised by Worcestershire County Council to help children from less-well-off backgrounds get a good start in life

To be eligible for a free place with a nursery or registered childminder, children must be living in a household which receives income support or income based job-seekers’ allowance, income related employment or support allowance, child tax credit, the guarantee element of state pension credit, or support under part six of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999.

The free childcare also applies to children who are being looked after in care by the county council.

Until recently the scheme had existed under certain local authorities, but now the government has brought it in nationally, which means local authorities must ensure there are places for disadvantaged two-year-olds.

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."

It is hoped that the scheme will help even the gap between children from an early age and ensure everyone benefits, as well as giving parents the opportunity to retrain, gain part-time employment, or just have some time to themselves.