Farron welcomes extra money for poorest two-year-olds in Cumbria
Cumbrian MP Tim Farron has this morning welcomed the announcement that Cumbria will get £3,129,783 to deliver 15 hours a week free early years education for the poorest two-year olds by 2014.
The funding comes as part of the Government's plan to support the most vulnerable families in our communities. The poorest 20% of two-year olds across Cumbria will be able to receive free early education from September 2013 meaning over 800 children will benefit. This will rise to include the poorest 40% by 2014.
Following an announcement in September by the Deputy Prime Minister, a further £100million has been allocated this year intended to go into capital spending, such as converting part of an existing building into extra nursery space. This will result in an additional £581,326 in funding to help prepare children for school and help the most hard-pressed families with childcare costs.
In total, local authorities will receive more than half a billion pounds to fund two-year-olds places next year.
Commenting this morning Timsaid: "It is wrong that a child's future should be decided by the background of their parents. In Cumbria we have some of the best schools in the UK and it is vital that we use that success to ensure that every child has access the best quality education and support from a very young age to help overcome disadvantaged backgrounds.
"Today's news that Cumbria will get over £3.5million to support hard-pressed families is fantastic and will help our communities to make this ambition a reality by creating a fairer society."
Commenting further, Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg said: "From 2013, 130,000 of the most disadvantaged two-year-olds will be eligible for 15-hours of free childcare a week with double that number set to benefit the following year.
"Today we're letting local authorities know the money they will receive to offer these free places and make a huge difference to hard-pressed families.
"Good quality childcare gives children a headstart even before they walk through the school gates for the first time. No child should miss out on this just because of the circumstances of their birth."