The borough council’s early years team gave early education and childcare to 98 per cent of two-year-olds in Swindon who are entitled to receive it.

There are approximately 750 two-year-olds around town who can have 15 hours per week of early education and childcare from the term after their second birthday.

Nationally, the take-up of this offer has fallen from 72 per cent to 68 per cent - but Swindon’s take-up has risen to 98 per cent, which has increased from 73 per cent last year.

Coun Russell Holland, Swindon Borough Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for education said: “Early education from age two has long-lasting benefits for children and helps to promote their physical, emotional, cognitive and social development.

“This funding helps to narrow the attainment gap between disadvantaged children and their peers by preparing children to start school. It is thanks to the good work of the council’s early years team that parents in Swindon are aware of the entitlement, how to access it and where to access it.

“Families are supported on an individual basis to make an informed decision about whether early education is right for their child and they are able to find a place which meets their needs.”

To ensure the high take-up of funding is maintained, the council will launch a Parent Champions Scheme which will look to recruit and train a number of parent volunteers who have had a positive experience of early education to spread the word with other parents in their community.

Volunteers will be supported to use the skills and experience they gain to go on to access paid employment. Parent volunteers will be well-placed to support other parents in their community as they will have first-hand experience of local services and activities in their area.

To apply for two-year-old funding or to become a parent champion, email earlyeducation@swindon.gov.uk or visit childcarechoices.gov.uk for more information.