A RADICAL plan to give free nursery places to all York three-year-olds was announced by the Government this afternoon - three years earlier than planned.

City of York Council has been given enough money to meet its pledge to provide the nursery places, which will be funded from September, and could give up to 1,160 three-year-olds three extra terms of nursery education.

This is before they start nursery education at the age of four.

If the full amount of places is taken up, the Government will continue to

fund a similar number next year.

In playgroups, the full cost of sessions will be covered by the extra Government cash.

And private nurseries will be able to reduce their normal fees thanks to the extra funding, by up to £376 each term for each child.

Parents would then need to pay the difference.

Councillor Janet Looker, executive member for education, said: "This is

wonderful news and shows that the Government recognises the important

contributions we make to early years education in York.

"It also shows that they have responded to significant pressure from the

council and the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership to fund a

greater number of places.

"We will now be able to meet our pledge to provide a free nursery education

place for every three-year-old in the city three years ahead of schedule.

"This is a truly significant step

forward for early years in York."

reporters@ycp.co.uk