MUMS and dads in Bury are being urged to take advantage of free part-time child places for four-year-olds.

Information about who is eligible will be circulated in libraries, doctors' surgeries, health centres and supermarkets, to make sure that people who are entitled don't lose out.

The Local Authority funded places are for those children who are four, but not yet in full-time education.

Children qualify for the terms only after they become four, and the establishments they attend must be included on the council's Ofsted validated list.

Education committee chairman, Cllr David Ryder said: "Parents should be aware a free part-time place is the equivalent of up to five sessions of at least two and a half hours each, term time only.

"Those who wish may choose to pay the difference between a part-time place and a full-time one.

"But we would urge all parents to ensure the provider they choose for their child, be they a Local Authority or a private one, is properly registered."

Once parents have registered their child with an approved provider, the Local Authority will pay the appropriate fees direct to the centre.

For more information and a full list of approved Early Years Education Providers, contact Bethan Marreiros on 0161 253 5616.

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