MORE than 500 children in Denbighshire are set to receive 30 hours free childcare as part of the national scheme being offered by the Welsh Government and Denbighshire County Council.

Since the scheme was launched in Denbighshire in January, the county council received 548 applications, of which 512 children have been found to be eligible.

130 childcare providers have signed up to deliver the childcare offer for families living in Denbighshire.

Cllr Huw Hilditch-Roberts, cabinet lead member for education, children, young people and the Welsh language, said: “We are delighted that families across Denbighshire are taking advantage of the free childcare offer after we worked for a full roll-out.

“The aim of the childcare offer is to allow eligible parents to have more employment choices, increase their disposable income to help counteract poverty for those in low paid jobs and ensure that quality early education and childcare is provided to promote child development and prepare them for early education.

“We worked tirelessly with the Welsh Government to lobby for the families in the county to benefit from the offer at the earliest opportunity and it is obviously paying dividends, with so many children benefitting from the scheme.

“We will continue to promote the scheme, to ensure people are aware of when and how they can apply”.

Applications are due to open on Friday, March 1 for children who turn three years old by April 28.  Subject to eligibility, they would be entitled to free childcare scheme from April 29.

Denbighshire County Council will share information and promote the offer to parents, guardians and childcare providers in the county.

For information on eligibility criteria and to apply online, visit www.denbighshire.gov.uk/childcare. For further information call Denbighshire County Council’s Family Information Service on 01745 815891.