A PRIMARY school in York is one of the first in the country to take two-year-olds in the nursery.

Derwent Infant School in Tang Hall has been selected to be a pathfinder for eight "hard to reach" two-year-olds by the Government and Derwent Infants have rolled out the programme at Derwent Nursery.

The scheme offers seven-and-a-half hours per week free nursery schooling for two-year-olds from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Parents of eligible two-year-olds must be resident or working in the city of York.

In order to offer the scheme Derwent Infants set up a management committee, this is made up of parents, governors and volunteers.

The management committee is headed up by the school business manager - Carol Tuck, who is also the manager of the Pathfinder Project.

Mrs Tuck said: "Two of the children that came to us in November were quite timid, but because were are such a small group here within a few weeks they were very happy and confident and they have come back to a place in nursery and now they are absolutely fine.

"A lot of our little ones in the area have parents who can't afford private nursery and this is a perfect opportunity for them to get free places.

"While the children are here it is a great learning experience and they learn a whole range of social skills such as learning to play together and share things and progress with their speech."

Derwent Dragons - as the group is called - was launched at the beginning of November and currently has eight places which are all taken. This may increase after Easter, depending on demand. The school gets between £350 and £450 per child per term from the Government as part of a two-year funding deal to run Derwent Dragons, which is free to parents.

The sessions are run by two qualified teaching assistants with many years of experience and expertise. The sessions are held in Derwent Nursery and therefore benefit from the facilities, resources and outdoor play equipment.

Mum Sarah Walton, a child-minder of Tang Hall Lane, whose daughter, Tia Smith, attends Derwent Dragons said so far the scheme has been a great success and the children have quickly settled in to the caring and stimulating environment. She said: "It's absolutely brilliant."

If you are interested in more information regarding the scheme phone Carol Tuck on 01904 410009.