CHILDREN starting in reception classes at Bolton primary schools in September will NOT now need nursery vouchers.

Education chiefs have announced that parents of four-year-olds will not have to hand them over before their child can claim a school place.

The controversial voucher scheme has been scrapped by the new Labour Government.

But the local education authority has been inundated with calls from parents unsure of the situation. Earlier this year, education chiefs warned that vouchers would be needed for new school starters in September.

Cllr Don Eastwood, education and arts commitee chairman, said: "Everything has happened so quickly that I am not surprised parents are confused.

"But the situation is that if they are going to a state school, they don't need one."

There is still uncertainty over children who go to independent schools and private nurseries and education chiefs plan to make an announcement about their position in the next few days.

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