Enfield Borough Council is preparing to meet the increased demand for free early years places at its children’s centres.

This comes as a result of the Government announcing that it will be expanding the number of places eligible for two-year-olds in September.

The free places are aimed at those children who would be entitled to free school meals and children with special needs under the council's ‘Terrific Twos Criteria’.

Eligible two-year-olds receiving their free early years place through an Enfield children’s centre will receive up to 12 hours per week of sessions spread across the year.

Councillor Ayfer Orhan, cabinet member for children and young people, said: “This is a great opportunity to give very young children an opportunity to play with other children, make substantial progress and have some fun.

“It also enables parents seeking work opportunities to take up some training or job interviews. This could be a real family boost.

“As part of the need to provide places for two-year-olds and due to the increase in child numbers in the borough, we also plan to make changes to our three and four-year-old services in our children’s centres."

Further information is available at children’s centres across the borough or at www.enfield.gov.uk/terrifictwos