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East of England Liberal DemocratsNews and campaigns from the Liberal Democrats in Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk and Suffolk |
Four thousand babies born in Norfolk this year to get free early education at 2 years old
July 6, 2012 4:34 PM
Originally published by Simon Wright MP
Originally published by Simon Wright MP
All two year olds from families earning less than £16,000 in Norfolk will be eligible for free early education under plans revealed by the Liberal Democrat Minister for Children and Families, Sarah Teather.
This represents a second phase of free early years education provision. The first phase will come into effect in September 2013, when 2000 of the least advantaged two year olds in Norfolk will receive 15 hours of free early education each week.
Norwich South MP and Parliamentary Aide to Sarah Teather, Simon Wright, has welcomed the news that more than 4000 babies born in Norfolk this year will benefit from the same entitlement when they are two years old. The government has launched a consultation calling for views on which two year olds should benefit in this second phase, with the proposal that children in low income families earning less than £16,190 will be amongst the beneficiaries.
Mr Wright said:
"Extending free early years education is the right thing to do. Educational attainment of a child is closely linked to the wealth of their family, and we know that giving disadvantaged children the support in the early years are absolutely critical to breaking this link.
"Thousands of two year olds from disadvantaged families will benefit from September next year, and more than twice as many young children will receive the same level of entitlement the year after. This support will make a real difference to the life chances of those children."
Children from families who meet the criteria for free school meals will continue to be eligible and the consultation proposes that two year olds should receive free education if: they are in low income families earning no more than £16,190 each year; have special educational needs or a disability; or have been in care and been adopted.
Continuing, Mr Wright said "The pupil premium is bringing in millions of pounds of extra support for children in Norfolk's schools from less well off backgrounds. Extending free education provision to those who need it most is another part of the strategy to improve social mobility and create a more equal society."
Commenting Sarah Teather, Minister for Children and Families, said:
"There is compelling evidence that early education, through play and stories, helps young children prepare for school in their crucial early years. We have an ambitious programme to roll out free early education and it is vital that this support, backed by funding rising to £760 million by 2014-15, is targeted towards those who need it.
"Babies born this year will receive the benefit of high quality early education in two years' time. It's vital that we get this right for their sake. This Government is doing all it can to ensure that children in the poorest families are able to achieve what they want to do."