Cumbria gains £286,531 from new Early Years Pupil Premium
South Lakes MP Tim Farron has welcomed the news that the nearly 1000 young people in Cumbria will benefit from the new Early Years Pupil Premium.
At 10am this morning the Government released the allocations for the Early Years Pupil Premium. This is a new policy that will help three and four year olds from April 2015 aims to support providers to bridge this gap with additional funding, approximately £300 for each eligible child.
Nurseries, child-minders and other early years providers in Cumbria are set for a £286,531 cash injection to help three and four-year-olds from disadvantaged families. This means that 995 eligible families in the county will gain from extra help and support.
Children from low income families have often fallen behind more well off classmates before they even start school.
But from April 2015, the Early Years Pupil Premium - which has been backed by groups like Barnados, 4Children and the Child Poverty Action Group - will mean extra money to make sure every child gets a fair start.
Tim said: "For me education has always been the silver bullet, helping change people's life chances and give opportunity to everyone. As a Dad I see the impact of extra help or a great teacher in my children and I want to make sure every child gets the start in life they deserve.
"All the evidence shows that helping children as early as possible is key to making sure they do not fall behind. That is why this announcement is fantastic news for children.
Nurseries and schools will be free to choose how to spend the money, which is part of a £50m Government pot.
It comes on top of Lib Dem-led changes in Government to help families, which include shared parental leave, tax free childcare, Free School Meals, and a pupil premium for school age children.
Schools Minister David Laws MP added: "Every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential, whatever their background.
"Now this cash boost will mean extra support for those children who need it most."