Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has been visiting a nursery in Gravesend today to promote the government's free childcare offer for two-year-olds.

He met staff, parents and children at Bright Beginnings, in Dering Way.

The scheme, to provide 20% of disadvantaged two-year-olds with free places, was announced by Mr Clegg back in 2010.

It was part of a package of measures to boost the achievement of children from poorer homes.

From September, 15 hours of free childcare a week will be made available to 3,100 two-year-olds from lower income backgrounds across Kent.

Mr Clegg said: "High quality early learning can make a huge difference to children at the start of their lives. By getting things right from the off, they are much more likely to be ready when they start school.

"I want to make sure no child in Kent loses out, which is why 3,100 two-year-olds in the county will be eligible for free childcare starting this September.

"I'm determined to help parents with young children and this is just a part of a wide range of measures, including £1,200 off childcare bills for working families and and allowing parents to share maternity leave for the first time from 2015."

Parents can find out if their two-year-old is eligible by contacting either their local nursery provider or their local authority.

Places will initially be targeted on children from households which meet the eligibility criteria for Free School Meals and those who are looked after by their local authority.