Parents with three or four-year-old children are being urged not to miss the deadline for applying for 30 hours free childcare.

The scheme, which supports working families, is available at nurseries, playgroups and pre-schools, childminders and children’s centres.

Teresa Heritage, Herts County Council’s Cabinet member for children’s services, said: “We want to ensure everyone who is eligible is able to apply on time.

“The early years’ providers in Hertfordshire are fantastic. We know early education has a number of benefits for children and provides a great foundation for learning. It can also have a positive effect on academic achievement later in a child’s school life.”

You must apply by August 31 to start from September 1. Applications made after this date will not start their entitlement until January 1.

To apply, visit www.childcarechoices.gov.uk. For more information, visit www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/parents, or call the HMRC helpline on 0300 123 4097 for advice.