Childcare - a Liberal Democrat Priority

Thanks to Liberal Democrats in Government, from last week, 130,000 two-year olds from the poorest homes will be eligible for 15 hours of free childcare a week with a nursery or childminder.

Liberal Democrats know that the early years make the crucial difference to a child's chances of reaching their potential and getting on in life. That's why Nick Clegg has made expanding free early years education a major priority in Government.

The Government is investing more than £500m into childcare this year and £100m through local authorities to create new places to ensure those children eligible right now can benefit from these places.

Next year the Government will be investing £760m to help an additional 130,000 two-year-olds in families on less than £16,190 a year who receive working tax credits.