Free education for 400 toddlers in Sutton (From Epsom Guardian)

Free education for 400 toddlers in Sutton

7:40am Monday 11th June 2012 in News By Sophia Sleigh, Reporter

Hundreds of two-year-olds will receive free early years education in Sutton.

Paul Burstow, MP for Sutton and Cheam, has heralded news that 400 disadvantaged toddlers will receive the free education from next year.

This is in addition to all three and four-year-old children in Sutton, who are already eligible to receive 15 hours of free early year’s education per week.

Mr Burstow said: “This is great news for two-year-olds and their families in our area, and a real victory for social mobility.

"Early years education gives a great boost to children, helping them prepare for school. It’s also a huge help to parents who may be struggling to juggle work commitments with having young children.

“Liberal Democrats have been ensuring that one of the Coalition Government’s main priorities is to close the attainment gap between the children of the richest and the poorest.

"Children should have the chance they deserve regardless of how wealthy their parents are.”