SOUTH Gloucestershire Council has launched a campaign to raise awareness of free childcare provision available for some two-year-olds.

The government-funded scheme was introduced to improve the outcomes of children from disadvantaged backgrounds and provides up to 15 hours of free childcare a week for families with household incomes of less than £16,190.

In the coming weeks, the council is hoping more eligible parents will make use of the free places.

Cllr Ian Blair, chairman of the authority’s children and young people committee, said: “We have already been very successful in getting families on low incomes to take up this scheme since it was introduced.

“We want to ensure more parents and carers are aware of this initiative which entitles eligible families to claim up to 15 hours free childcare a week which includes access to learning and fun activities.

“If you have a two-year-old and your household income is less than £16,190 then you may also be entitled to take up the funding which will be available from September 1.”

The free childcare will be made available in a nursery or pre-school setting or with a childminder.

For further information visit www.southglos.gov.uk/childcare or call 01454 868008. You will need your National Insurance number to hand.