Children, whose parents are on unemployment benefits, have been given priority places at nursery schools, it has been revealed.

According to The Belfast Telegraph children from socially disadvantaged backgrounds have been offered a disproportionately high number of places.

This news comes as around 1,500 parents, who are not entitled to benefits, still wait to hear where or whether their child will be given a place.

Frustrated parents were reported as claiming they were being “victimised” and “penalised for being normal” after receiving letters last week telling them their applications were unsuccessful.

Figures show that 43% of full-time nursery places were awarded to children entitled to free school meals in 2011/12. This was a rise from 39% and 29% in the previous two years.

(LB)