Lib Dems: Extra money announced for poorest two-year-olds in Surrey

The Coalition Government has today announced that Surrey will get £7.5 million to deliver 15 hours a week free early years education for the poorest two-year olds by 2014.

The Coalition Government is already ensuring that the poorest 20% of two-year olds are able to receive early education from September 2013, which means 1,700 two-year-olds in Surrey will benefit. This will rise to include the poorest 40% by 2014.

At Liberal Democrat Autumn Conference, Liberal Democrat Leader and Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg announced an extra £100m this year, intended to go into capital spending, such as converting part of an existing building into extra nursery space.

In Surrey, that means an extra £1.4 million. The money will help prepare children for school and help the most hard-pressed families with childcare costs.

In total, local authorities will receive more than half a billion pounds to fund two-year-olds places next year.

Commenting, Liberal Democrat Education Select Committee member Peter Lambell (Reigate Central) said:

"Education is the best way we can help children overcome disadvantaged backgrounds.

"It is clear from the evidence that children from poorer backgrounds often fall behind their wealthier classmates before they even set foot in school. That gap only gets bigger over time.

"Liberal Democrats believe in a fair society where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. That's why Nick Clegg and the Liberal Democrats in the Coalition Government have prioritised supporting two-year olds so they can the best start in life.

"Today's news on how much money our area will get to make this ambition a reality is a welcome boost for hard-pressed families and will help to create a fairer society."