ALMOST £5million has been given to Gloucestershire County Council in an effort to get more toddlers into early education.

The £4.98million in government funding will be used to provide more places at nurseries, childminders, school and playgroups for two-year-olds while families on low incomes could also receive up to 15 hours of free childcare a week.

Cllr Paul McLain, GCC’s cabinet member for children and young people and commissioning, said the money will make a different to hundreds of families.

“We are encouraging all parents who think they could be eligible to get in touch as soon as possible to ensure they don’t miss out on helping to give their kids the best possible start,” he said.

To find out whether a child is entitled to the funding and where places are available, parents need to call the Family Information Service on 01452 427362 or 0800 542 02 02.