Parents are being advised to claim free hours of childcare before time runs out.

Hertfordshire County Council is continuing to provide 30 hours of free childcare per week for eligible families.

The scheme started last year to help working families in England with three- and four-year-old children obtain places in nurseries, nursery classes, playgroups, pre-school, childminders and children’s centres.

Applicants must apply before August 31 for the vouchers to be valid from September 1 this year. If parents apply after this date, then the free childcare will not start until January 1.

Those with four-year-old children who are eligible for the scheme can apply through the Childcare Choices website, although only parents of kids not starting state-funded school in September should apply.

Cllr Teresa Heritage for children’s services said: “Helping families get the best start in life really matters to us at Hertfordshire County Council, so we want to ensure everyone who is eligible is able to apply on time.

“The early years’ providers in Hertfordshire are fantastic. We know that 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.”

To get a code to apply for childcare visit https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/ and for more information visit www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/parents or call the HMRC helpline on 0300 123 4097 for advice.