A GOVERNMENT minister has visited a York school, after it was announced that families in the city will be among the first to benefit from 30 hours free childcare.

On Monday the Government revealed that York is one of eight places in a pilot scheme for the increased childcare provisions, and yesterday childcare minister Sam Gyimah went to Haxby Road Primary Academy to meet early years staff and see how the government’s extended offer will help families.

York Outer's MP Julian Sturdy said he was delighted to see York among the first places to benefit.

He said: "This is fantastic news for York parents, and I look forward to scrutinising the details of the funding arrangements for these places.

"I have campaigned for better nursery funding since 2013 having held parliamentary debates and lobbied Ministers directly about the matter. Historically nurseries across the country and in York have been left unable to cover the costs of Government-funded places and we must make sure that the scheme’s business case is fair for both the tax-payer and the nurseries."

City of York Council has revealed more details about how the scheme will work in York.

Barbara Mands, head of childcare strategy, said: “York is unique among the pilot scheme in that we will roll out this scheme to all eligible children with day nurseries, childminders, playgroups and schools with nurseries in the city which have spaces for the additional 15 hours care. This will be supported by York’s share of the £13m national funding.”

The exact details of the eligibility criteria are still being finalised, she added, but they hope for a fair funding agreement with the Department for Education by spring ready for the new term in September.

Councillor Jenny Brook, executive member for education, children and young people, said: “We’re delighted that York and its excellent playgroups, day nurseries, childminders and schools with nurseries have been chosen to help pilot this scheme and make childcare more affordable for parents.

“The quality and flexibility of the sector in York is a key factor in businesses choosing to locate here and the pilot of 30 free hours further increases parents’ prospects of work, while also giving childcare providers the incentive to provide even more places, job opportunities and therefore job security for its workforce.”