Three-year-olds in Wiltshire will be entitled to free nursery education from April.
Over £800,000 of extra funding from Wiltshire County Council means that youngsters will be able to have five sessions of at least two and a half hours a week from the term following their third birthday.
William Snow, the county council's cabinet member for education, said: "The county council's investment in nursery places for young children will give them a first class start to their education and is part of its commitment to improving education across the county."
The free places are available at pre-schools, day nurseries, some independent schools and some registered child- minders.
Parents who wish to take up the free places for their children should contact their chosen participating childcare provider. The provider will have all the necessary paperwork.
All three-year-olds are eligible for the scheme and more information for parents is available from the 'ask' children's information service on 08457 585072.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article