TWO year olds are starting their education early at Malton Primary School.

The group of seven have been attending the school since September as part of the 2gether programme, which opened this term.

Malton Primary School is now an enhanced mainstream school for pupils aged two to 11.

Headteacher Kelly Wilkinson said: "So far we have seen a positive impact of the provision; parents in particular are very happy to send their children to school.

"Two-year-old children have short sessions integrating with the nursery children, which will undoubtedly support transition in the summer term."

In response to the government’s initiative, the funded offer aims to improve disadvantaged children’s social and cognitive outcomes.

By the age of five, it is hoped that they are as ready as their more advantaged peers to start and fully benefit from school.

Miss Wilkinson said: "The rationale for extending the age for admissions was primarily based on the school’s passion for and expertise in early years.

"We have an exceptionally skilful early years’ team and this has been further strengthened by the 2gether team.

"Children throughout the school are taught skills such as creating and refining and all learning is grounded in the development of character.

"It makes sense to enable children and parents to begin this journey as early as possible.

"We are committed to giving our children the best possible start to their school life, teaching skills which ensure their well-being now and success in the future.

"The programme aims to provide good quality early education combined with support for parents - for example to improve their confidence in supporting their children’s learning and to deal with other challenges in their lives, such as health problems and family difficulties.

"Our provision, however, is inclusive to all two-year-olds in the school’s catchment, funded or not."