Merton and Wandsworth will soon have a new early years hub which aims to help children from some of London's most disadvantaged backgrounds.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan confirmed the three locations this week (January 9), which will open later this month, seeking to support young people in reaching their potential.

The facility, named the ‘Wandle Early Years Hub’, will be led by Cheserton Primary School in Battersea's Dagnall Street and serve both Merton and Wandsworth boroughs as one.

Mr Khan said: “Every child in London deserves the best start in life and should be able to benefit from all the

opportunities our great city has to offer. Too often, in early years education, it is the most disadvantaged children who miss out.

“That’s why I want to improve both the quality and access to early years provision for all children.

“Through these early years hubs, and by working with our partners across London, we can ensure that no child is left behind and that all families have the support they need for their children to thrive.”

City Hall is set to provide funding of £175,000 for each hub, with the others in Barnet and Newham, as well as a toolkit to ‘share learning across the capital’.

The Wandle Early Years Hub will target disadvantaged areas and it aims to increase the take-up of two-year-old offer overall, including those with special educational needs (SENs).

Proposed activities will include providing professional development in supporting children with SENs and disabilities, as well as rolling out learning from a nursery which hosts sessions for children with autism.