Parents are encouraged to take advantage of a free childcare scheme.

The Free Early Education for Two Year Olds, administered by Barnet Council, gives up to 15 hours a week of free care to qualifying children from the term after their second birthday.

Parents can access it at Ofsted registered childminders, pre-schools, playgroups, nursery schools and children centres.

To qualify for the scheme, parents will need to be receiving income-related benefits and support, Child Tax Credit or Working Tax Credit.

For more details on the scheme and the qualification criteria, visit www.barnet.gov.uk/free-childcare