EAST Lancashire toddlers have taken a giant step towards enjoying an early education after the government handed over £1 million to help secure a nursery place for every three-year-old by the year 2002.

Lancashire County Council's education department has won the money to develop its Early Years and Childcare Plan.

The scheme will involve private, voluntary and statutory agencies working together to develop provision for children up to 14-years-old in the shape of after-school clubs, childminder networks and particularly for those with special needs.

But the authority has also pledged to provide free part-time nursery places for all three-year-olds by the year 2002.

County Coun John Fillis, chairman of Lancashire County Council's special education and pupil support sub-committee, said: "We have been working towards these goals for some time, the extra money will allow us to provide services for children with special educational needs and safe, reliable care for children while their parents are at work.

"Lancashire has always been committed to the education of its children and the allocation of free nursery places for the under-threes further process the value we place on young people."

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