Cumbrian parents urged to take advantage of free learning (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Cumbrian parents urged to take advantage of free learning

3:49pm Friday 19th March 2010 in

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PARENTS in Cumbria are being urged to take advantage of an increase in free learning and childcare.

From September, entitlement to free care for three and four-year-olds will increase to 15 hours a week - up from the current 12-and-a-half hours.

School nurseries, pre-schools, maintained nursery schools, independent or private nursery schools or childminders are all settings where parents can take advantage of the extended free care hours.

Parents can use up to two different providers but cannot claim more than 15 hours a week in total.

Coun Duncan Fairbairn, Cumbria County Council cabinet member responsible for schools and learning, said: "These added free hours will help make the balance between work and family life that little bit easier. It can often be a struggle for many young families so hopefully this greater degree of flexibility can go some way to alleviating that."

Call Cumbria County Council's School Admissions Team on 01228-226999 for more information.