TWO year olds are getting their first taste of school thanks to an initiative that extends free childcare to toddlers.
Gurney Pease Academy, in Darlington, has become one of the first schools in the town to accept the two-year-olds.
The academy, in Albert Hill, has converted a room in the school and provided them with their very own outdoor play area.
Sessions run every weekday from 9am-12pm allowing parents to continue in education or secure employment. The school currently has ten children with room to accommodate more.
In order to be eligible parents must receive income support, income based Jobseekers Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, Child Tax Credit, State Pension Credit, support under the Immigration and Asylum Act, Universal Credits, or be looked after children.
Early years foundation stage co-ordinator Jo Gartland said: “There are real benefits to the children including a boost to their speech and language skills. “They learn to socialise and mix with children their own age, how to share and take turns. We can even help with potty training and it frees up the parents if they want to study or work.”
Anyone interested should contact Gurney Pease Academy on (01325) 380790 or call in for an application form and to check eligibility.
