Parents and guardians of children who turn four in the next school year can now apply for the government’s pre-school credit scheme.

The scheme offers parents £3,420 to help pay for pre-school costs and can be used with registered providers of child day-care, including childminders.

Parents of children who reach their fourth birthday between September 1 this year and August 31 next year can apply online to receive three equal payments of £1,140 in September, January and April.

Paper copies of the application form can be collected from the Welcome Centre at the Sea Terminal or Hamilton House, Peel Road, Douglas, where completed forms can also be delivered.

Dr Alex Allinson MHK, the Minister for Education, Sport and Culture, said: ’The scheme is one of the many ways the Isle of Man Government is helping working families.’

Acceptance of a child into a pre-school has no influence on where the child can be subsequently enrolled for primary education and details of the catchment areas that exist for primary schools can be obtained by contacting the department.

Last week, the Chief Minister announced that nurseries, playgroups and childminders can increase the number of children in their care, with children of parents working in the retail sector accepted back from this week and any other eligible children from June 15.