A Burton nursery has backed a new government scheme which is seeing many families across Staffordshire receive twice as many free childcare hours as they previously had.

Parents of three and four-year-olds are eligible to sign up to the new scheme which has increased the number of free childcare hours from 15 to 30 a week for working families, with applications closing on Thursday, August 31.

To be eligible for the scheme, either parents, or one parent in a single-parent family, must work the equivalent of at least 16 hours a week at the national minimum wage or living wage.

According to government statistics from the Department for Education, the scheme could save families around £5,000 a year.

One of Burton's nurseries, The Co-operative Childcare, in Belvedere Road, is welcoming the introduction of the scheme by holding events and giveaways throughout September.

Nursery manager Sian Edwards says that offering help to working families is important as the nursery embraces the increased amount of interest in their services.

She said: "At the heart of our childcare is a commitment to giving each child the freedom to have fun and learn in their own way, building self-confidence and awareness of the world around them as they grow.

"We'd urge any families interested in finding out more about our nurseries, and the 30 hours of free childcare, to pop along to our local open day for a chat."

The nursery will be holding an open day on Saturday, September 9, to give nearby families a chance to see what the team and its facilities have to offer.

Also, those following The Co-operative Childcare on Facebook can be in with a chance to win prizes throughout this month, including a £200 travel voucher, a children's slide, a family photography session and a £50 voucher for art equipment.

The government has said that the launch of the increased childcare hours, which began on Friday, September 1, will help thousands of parents across the country.

Education Secretary Justine Greening has highlighted the importance of allowing for the right amount of support to help children have the best start of life.

She said: "High-quality childcare not only helps our children get the best start in life, it supports many parents who want or need to work.

"For too long lots of families really struggled to manage the cost of childcare and that’s why we have delivered on our promise to provide 30 hours free – saving working families around £5,000 a year.

"Alongside the support we are giving through tax-free childcare and universal credit, it will make a real difference to families' lives."

Looking for a job? There are thousands available at www.Fish4.co.uk