City Council success as more families access free early years education

Milton Keynes City Council is helping a record number of families to access free early years education and childcare for two-year-olds.

In new figures released by Government, 90% of eligible two-year-olds have a place at an approved pre-school, nursery, or childminder in MK.  In neighbouring council areas, take up ranges from 58.4% in Buckinghamshire to 80% in Bedford.  This places Milton Keynes 3rd out of 19 local authorities in the South East of England.

The City Council helps families find the ‘Time for Twos’ scheme, which gives parents in receipt of certain benefits up to 15 hours of fully funded early years education per week, for a maximum of 38 weeks per year. Some children with special needs or disabilities can also get this support.

“We’ve been working hard in Milton Keynes to make sure every eligible family knows about free early years education. Time spent with other children and guided by early years professionals can make a real difference to a child’s development and confidence before starting school. The scheme also gives parents valuable support, especially those balancing childcare with work.

Families here have great choices too, with 95% of early years settings and 98% of childminders in Milton Keynes rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted.”

Parents may also be eligible for tax credits, tax free childcare or universal credits.  Find out more, including how to access Time for Twos at www.timefortwos.com.