Child care hours to double

From September, some families could be entitled to 30 hours a week of free childcare for three and four-year-olds.

Busy Bees Pre-School, in Poulton Road, Fleetwood, is urging working parents to check whether they are eligible for the child care scheme.

Jane McNair, proprietor of Busy Bees which is rated outstanding by Ofsted, said: “There is a certain criteria to be met but basically parents need to be working and earning at least £120 each a week.

“They have until August 31 to apply for a place and will need to obtain a code to be given to the child care provider.

“We still have places available here too.”

The changes are designed to support working parents with the cost of looking after their children and enable them to return to work, or work longer hours.

Busy Bees, which looks after children between the hours of 8.30am and 3.30pm during term time, have just enjoyed their annual sports day at the Memorial Park.

Children had been practicing for the event and even made hand print t-shirts to wear on the day.

Jane added: “It’s wonderful to be able to use the park for our outdoor events, it’s just round the corner from us and only a short walk for the children.”

Busy Bees autumn term begins on September 4 to coincide with the return of most schools.

For more information about the new childcare support, visit www.lancashire.gov.uk and search 30 hours.

Call Busy Bees on 07759 700278.