More parents of two-year-olds will be eligible for free childcare, as the government is doubling the amount on offer to 40 per cent, the Department for Education has revealed.

This means that a greater number of youngsters from disadvantaged backgrounds will be able to benefit from 15 hours of free early education, which is an important step in bridging the "academic gap".

Studies have shown that children from poorer families are at a higher risk of entering the education system later than comparatively affluent peers.

In some cases, they can start school 19 months later than other children. This can seriously damage their ability to keep up.

The government states that "good quality childcare" can prevent this from happening as it can be a "significant benefit in terms of a child's development".

Commenting on the announcement, deputy prime minister Nick Clegg said that "giving a helping hand to families that need it most will mean thousands more children get a brighter start in life".

"This September, we’re doubling the number of free childcare places for two-year-olds," he outlined. "All parents need to do to check if they qualify is contact their local authority or children’s centre.

"All the evidence shows that if you compare two five-year-olds hanging up their coats next to each other on the first day of school, the poorer child will already be behind their better off classmate before a single lesson has been taught."

Mr Clegg continued by saying that without this help, all children suffer, as, for example, teachers are required to shift their focus to children who "are frustrated and left behind through no fault of their own".

Childcare and education minister Sam Gyimah added that it is "wholly wrong" that youngsters from lower income backgrounds should end up being disadvantaged from the get-go.

Reinforcing the importance of a good quality education at the earliest stage possible, he said that "levelling the playing field" is hugely important in boosting a child's life chances.

Mr Gyimah concluded: "This free childcare entitlement gives children crucial support that could make all the difference to how well they do at school and beyond. I encourage parents who think their toddler may be eligible from this September to check this and make sure they don’t miss out."