HALF of eligible youngsters in Southampton are missing out on nursery places.

The city council is urging the parents of two-year-olds to find out if they are entitled to free preschool, nursery or childminder places.

Places are available from September for up to 15 hours a week of childcare and educational development at council and Ofsted-approved venues.

Unlike the free places for three and four-year-olds, the places for two-year-olds are subject to parents being in receipt of certain benefits, welfare support or tax credits.

They must also not have an annual gross household annual income of £16,190.

With only half of children who are entitled to the free childcare signed up, the council has issued an appeal to parents to check whether their youngsters are eligible.

They can do so by checking on the council's website or visiting a children's centre or childcare provider and speaking to a member of staff.

The free childcare can be claimed from the term after a child's second birthday.

Charlene Law, a mother-of-three from Southampton said: “My youngest child Calum is about to start his free place and I’ve got high hopes for how much he will develop based on how much my older two children did.

"My eldest son Dylan, who is five years old now, had a speech delay when he started his free place at the local Start Point centre, however he overcame it quickly thanks to the support from the staff, who also helped him to improve his communication skills and learn. He has made lots of new friends at his new primary school and is really thriving academically.

"My daughter Chloe’s behaviour improved dramatically once she started attending her place and it prepared her really well for preschool.

"Parents should make the most of this offer as the places give two year olds the chance to do activities that they cannot do at home because of a lack of time and resources. It also frees up more time for parents and you can take the hours flexibly, something which allowed me to restart my career by starting a university course in construction management this autumn.”

Councillor Dan Jeffery, the council's cabinet member education and children’s social care said: “Giving a child a great education is key if they are to achieve their potential in life and these free places are a great opportunity for them to advance more from an earlier age.

"Despite this, half of the parents entitled to a place for their two year old child in Southampton are not claiming it, so I would encourage parents and carers to check their eligibility on our website to ensure their child does not miss out.

"The take-up rates for the free places for three and four-year-olds are nearly 100 per cent and there is no reason why this should not be the case with this offer.”