childcare rules for over 2s

Of course, but I do agree with ethel's point about those working parents who earn just a few pounds over the limit for them to qualify for free nursery hours.

It's the same with a lot of benefits, though.

What makes you think that parents on benefits are sitting at home doing nothing? They are likely to be in low paid jobs. And yes, their children need the benefit of early education too.

I think the same as jane and yes, there are working parents on benefits too.

There are working parents on benefits too, I think. Besides, young children need to socialise and start learning the skills they will need later, such as listening, taking turns, sharing, etc.

Surely the big scandal at the moment is the number of working families who are having to rely on benefits to make ends meet? They are the people who will find free childcare a great help. Being on benefits doesn't necessarily mean sitting at home.

If you think as I do that 3 year-olds benefit from nursery education, then why on earth would you want children whose parents were in receipt of state benefits to miss out?