Families from poorer backgrounds are set to receive extra help with childcare costs after the coalition government announced additional funding of £2.6m for the borough.

From September next year, families in the lowest 20 per cent of household incomes will receive 15 hours of free weekly childcare, rising to the lowest 40 per cent by 2014.

Liberal Deomcrat Councillor Mary-Jane Jeanes for, ward member for West Barnes, said: "It is clear from the evidence that children from poorer backgrounds often fall behind their wealthier classmates before they even set foot in school.

"That gap only gets bigger over time.

"Today’s news on how much money our area will get is a welcome boost for lower-income families and will help to creating a fairer society in the future."

The funding follows a government pilot scheme which provided childcare for two year olds in the St Helier area of Merton last year. 

Councillor Oonagh Moulton, Conservative spokeswoman for education and children’s care, said: "Every child, whatever their background deserves the best start in life.

"By investing in high quality childcare in Merton, the government is not only helping improve the educational opportunities for some of our most vulnerable children but also helping parents on lower incomes get back into work."