AN INCREASE in out-of-school childcare places has been secured in Redcar and Cleveland thanks to a Government cash boost of almost £52,000.

The money has come from the New Opportunities Fund Out of School Hours Childcare grant, set up to establish new childcare places in the borough.

In Redcar and Cleveland, the money will be used to develop new out-of-school schemes at Coatham Primary and Newcomen Primary schools, both in Redcar, in conjunction with the Single Regeneration Budget projects in the town.

Cygnets Nursery at Nunthorpe and the new Redcar Day Nursery at Redcar Leisure Centre will also receive funding for "wrap-around care", which involves part-day care for three and four-year-olds who attend local school nurseries for the other part of the day.

Lesley Sanderson is Development Officer with Redcar and Cleveland Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership.

She said: "The new out of school places will help to meet the demands of local parents who have work or training commitments.

"It is important that parents have access to good quality childcare and the funding from the New Opportunities Fund, ensures that this care can be made available to children.