Parents are being reminded to apply for more than ?3,000 which can be spent on pre-school education.

Money is available for children who have their fourth birthday between September 1st 2018 and 31st August 2019.

MHK Ann Corlett has responsibility for Education, Sport and Culture – she says: "Good quality early years education has a positive and long-term impact on children’s attainment, progress and social-behavioural development.

"That's why this administration is investing heavily in the financial support available to parents to put towards pre-school education.

"The former standard rate of the pre-school credit was doubled in this year’s Budget, increasing from ?1,700 to ?3,420 per child.

"The credit is now a universal benefit, which means that every child is entitled to the same amount."