THOUSANDS more toddlers from poor families in Hampshire are set to get free education under Government plans.

Around 900 two-year-olds in Southampton, 2,100 in Hampshire and 600 in Portsmouth are expected to benefit from the move to give them the best possible start in life.

Hundreds of the most disadvantaged two-year-olds across the county have already been getting 10 to 15 hours’ free early years education for the past two years as part of a pilot scheme.

But the Government is now proposing to extend the 15 hours of free early education – currently available to all three and four-year-olds – to all two-year-olds entitled to free school meals, from September 2013.

The time could be spent in nursery schools and classes, children’s centres, day care nurseries, play groups, pre-schools or with accredited child minders.

Announcing the plans Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said: “I want to give every child the best possible start – so free education for toddlers from the most disadvantaged homes will now be a right and not a privilege.

“Crucially the extra care will be flexible and easy to access.

Parents across the country are bending over backwards to balance work and home. The Coalition wants to help in any way we can.”

The 15 hours per week of early education would be available from 7am to 7pm across two days instead of the current three days.

Southampton Lib Dem spokesperson on children and schools councillor Maureen Turner said: “Helping 900 children from the poorest areas in our city will benefit them in years to come.

“Some of our children come into reception classes without the speaking and listening skills which are crucial for learning and developing in school. Many never recover from this early setback.

“High quality early education is the key to making a difference early in a child’s life, and helps to make Britain a fairer and more equal society.”

The Government says funding is being given to all local authorities from this financial year in order to build up to the new entitlement, which could become law under the current Education Bill.

A consultation on the plans runs until the end of January.