BRADFORD has seen the fastest take up of new free school places for two year olds in Yorkshire and the Humber.

But the high numbers of children eligible for the places mean that in some wards of the city there are shortfalls of up to 120 places.

This September the government introduced a new policy that meant pre school children from low income families, or those receiving benefits, were entitled to free education. In Bradford this meant an extra 4,899 children became entitled to a school place.

On Tuesday, Bradford Council's Children's Scrutiny Committee will receive a report on the take up of this new policy. It reveals that of the children entitled, 3,064 are currently getting this provision - a 63 per cent take up. This is the highest take up rate of local authorities in Yorkshire and the Humber.

The places have been provided through expansions to schools, as well as through community centres.

In council run schools 545 spaces have been provided, in academies and free schools 128 and in the private and voluntary sector 541.

The number of children eligible for a place highlights the gulf in wealth within the district. Bradford Moor has the highest number of eligible children at 350, while Ilkley has just 16 and Wharfedale just seven.

This has led to pressure to provide spaces in some wards, and in Bradford Moor there will be a shortfall of 120 places next year. In Toller there will be a shortfall of 85 and in Heaton, 58. It says that before the new policy, childcare at this age was focused on the children of working parents,and so was found mainly in more affluent areas. This has led to "significant" new capacity having to be found in the district's poorer areas. 29 developments are either underway, with 16 of these complete, offering 693 extra places for two year olds.

The report also reveals that the new provision will require around 500 new jobs to be created.

Councillor Ralph Berry, executive for Children's services at the council, said: "I hadn't realised we had pulled away from the pack in terms of take up. It is a remarkable achievement, because sometimes it can be difficult to find these places." He said the council would be working to create places in areas with a shortfall.

Councillor Mohammed Shafiq, who represents Bradford Moor, said: "We are a deprived ward, and we welcome any new resources for early years. It is important for a child's development at this age.

"Places for 2 year olds is a step in the right direction for the area that we will see the benefits of in a few years. There is still a shortage of places because there are more children here than there are places."