We are now well on track to delivering our commitment to provide pre-school places for every three-year-old whose parents want it by 2002

Nicol Stephen

Children who turn four in January and February end up being either the youngest or the oldest in their class.

If parents choose to wait until their child is five before sending them to school, they are not entitled to an extra year's free nursery care.

The executive said that, from next year, these youngsters will also be included in pre-school provision.

Speaking at the One Stop Childcare Agency in Edinburgh, Deputy Education Minister Nicol Stephen said: "We are now well on track to delivering our commitment to provide pre-school places for every three-year-old whose parents want it by 2002."

He added: "Involving partners in the expansion of pre-school education and childcare is vital to meet the wide ranging needs of parents."

The Programme for Government target for pre-school education is for all three-year-olds to be involved by April 2002.

Owing to the fact that participation in pre-school education is voluntary, ministers say they are now aiming to make sure 85% of youngsters in this age group take part in nursery education.