TWO-year-olds from disadvantaged backgrounds will benefit from a £1million grant from a Somerset authority.

 
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Somerset County Council announced it has set aside the money for early years education in pre-schools and nurseries, targeting toddlers from disadvantages families.

It says the cash will give up to 900 two-year-olds in a poorer family access to 15 hours free early years education per week by September 2013.

The funding will also provide more short break care for disabled children and their families.

Councillor John Osman, cabinet member for children and young people, said: “It is vital that we invest in these areas.

Giving families better access to free, local, high quality child care is likely to increase the uptake and improve the prospects for young children from disadvantaged backgrounds. 

“Increasing funding to provide short breaks for disabled children will mean that fewer will need to be cared for in residential units, which can be expensive and is more suited to children with complex medical and behavioural needs.”