1100 extra two-year olds in Cumbria to get free early-years education

South Lakes MP Tim Farron has joined with Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg to welcome news that 1100 two-year-old children from disadvantaged backgrounds in Cumbria will now receive free early years education from next year.

This is in addition to all three and four-year-old children inCumbriawho are already eligible to receive 15 hours of free early years education per week.

Commenting, Tim said: "This is great news for two-year-olds and their families in our area. I know the great boost early years education in our area gives to young children which really prepares them for school. It's also a huge help to parents who may be struggling to juggle work commitments with having young children.

"Policies such as making early years education freely available to the least well-off families and making additional money available to schools whose pupils are eligible for free school meals through the Pupil Premium are focusing help on the pupils who most need it."

Commenting further, Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg said: "We're revolutionising the early start our children get in life - there will be more free childcare, it will be higher quality, and it will be more flexible for parents.

"By getting things right from the off we're making sure our youngsters are ready to learn when they start school so that they get the most out of their education. Every child should have a fair crack of the whip from the start and be able to go on to fulfil their potential."