FAMILIES in Essex are being encouraged to find out more about the future increase in free childcare hours for three and four-year olds.

Coming into effect from September 1, many families across the county will benefit from an extended entitlement policy, which is aimed at supporting eligible working parents who are looking to support families with their childcare costs or increase their working hours.

The flexible policy means not all of the additional hours have to be taken up and eligible families can make arrangements with childcare providers offering the additional hours, based on their individual needs.

County councillor Ray Gooding, responsible for education, said, “Essex County Council is committed to helping the early years and childcare sector deliver the extended entitlement and supporting the government’s aims to make work pay for Essex families.

“The benefits of an increase in funded childcare hours are clear, not just in terms of what it means for working parents, but also in terms of increased access to early learning opportunities for young children.

“Good quality early learning supports young children to be happy, confident, sociable and curious, can prepare them to start school and can have a positive impact on their long-term development."

As with the existing 15 hours free entitlement for three and four-year olds, children whose parents meet the criteria will become eligible for the additional 15 hours at the start of the school term after their third birthday.

Parents of children who will be three on or before August 31, 2017 can apply now to access their free extended entitlement from September 2017.

If parents have not registered and do not have their eligibility code by August 31, 2017 they will not be able to access the additional hours until the start of the Spring term in January 2018.

Families are also able to claim tax-free childcare alongside the extended entitlement hours.

Check your eligibility and apply for both at bit.ly/2rC1x23 or call the helpline on 0300 123 4097.