CHILDREN could soon be thrown out of school unless they show a money-off voucher at the door.

Under a new government scheme, parents of four-year-olds can buy their child a year's education using vouchers before compulsory schooling starts at five.

Despite the fact that Lancashire already offers all four-year-olds a school place, parents will now have to apply for the vouchers - or their child will lose out.

County Councillor Stan Wright, chairman of Lancashire's education committee, said: "The government is saying council's will have the right to turn away children who don't bring the vouchers into school. That seems barmy to me.

"They've taken the money off us to give it back to parents in vouchers. We will have to collect the vouchers to get the money back.

"If we don't, it will be a very stark situation because there's no money in reserves."

The new scheme means that all children born between April 1, 1992 and August 31, 1992 who are now in reception class, and children born between September 1, 1992 and 31 March 1993 who are now in nursery, must have a voucher.

Without one, children will be unable to receive any under fives' education either in a nursery or a reception class. Also, all children starting school in a reception class in September 1997 will need a voucher before they can take a place.

Application forms will be landing through letterboxes in January for the vouchers worth £1,100.

A spokesman for the Department for Education said: "In the scheme's four pilot areas, over 70 per cent found the application form very simple. You'll always have some people confused by official forms.

"Parents shouldn't turn up without a voucher because everybody has the facility to get one."

If you have any queries about the scheme, call 0345 543345.

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