PARENTS of two-year-old children may be entitled to a share of a £4.78m pot of funding for free early learning childcare.

Gloucestershire County Council has received the government funding to support the county’s more vulnerable young children and help them get off to a good start at school.

Families on low income may be entitled to 15 hours of free childcare a week at nurseries, childminders, playgroups and children’s centres.

The funding follows the government guidance that 20 per cent of two-year-olds should be able to access free places by September 2013, increasing to 40 per cent in 2014.

GCC’s cabinet member for children and young people and commissioning Cllr Paul McLain (Con, Charlton Kings) encouraged anyone who thought they may be eligible to apply for the scheme.

“We know that early education is vital to boost development, improve social skills and help children get off to a good start at school,” he said.

To check eligibility call 01452 427 362 or 0800 542 0202 with your National Insurance number to hand.

For more information visit gloucestershire.gov.uk/earlyyears