ONLY a quarter of parents in the Borders have taken up the offer of free childcare for their two-year-olds since the scheme was launched last summer.

The Scottish Government provided funding for all eligible two-year-olds to receive 600 hours of free childcare in August.

The scheme is aimed at providing more flexibility for parents in their bid to find work as well as developing children’s social, language and learning skills.

Funding for 150 Borders children, who have parents or carers receiving Income Support, Jobseekers Allowance or Incapacity and Disablement Allowance, was provided from central government.

But by the end of 2014 only 38 children were receiving the free places.

A spokesman for Scottish Borders Council’s education department said: “We are continuing to urge parents and carers of eligible children to make the most of these new arrangements.

“We have been raising awareness through the media, our website, social media, posters, leaflets, school newsletters, health visitors and parent groups to make sure those who qualify are able to benefit from the new scheme.” In the Borders places are provided in some school nursery classes, private day nurseries, playgroups or child-minders.

And several new centres are being created at Edenside (Kelso), Howdenburn (Jedburgh), Trinity (Hawick), Balmoral (Galashiels) and Philiphaugh (Selkirk) on top of the Early Learning Centre which opened in Langlee towards the end of last year.

Childcare provision is also being developed at Burnfoot and Eyemouth schools and will open later this year. The spokesman added: “We are opening a number of new centres which can cater for early learning and childcare for two-year-olds.

“We would encourage parents who think they may be eligible to contact these schools to arrange to visit.

“While there are still a good number of spaces available uptake has been steady and compares favourably with other local authorities. We look forward to more parents and carers taking up these opportunities in the future.

“From August 2015 families currently meeting eligibility criteria for free schools meals - outwith the universal entitlement for all P1-3 children - can also access a place for their two-year-olds.” To find out more about childcare places for two-year-olds contact Scottish Borders Council’s Early Years team on 01835 824000.