HC Deb 25 June 1936 vol 313 cc1946-7
38. Viscountess ASTOR

asked the President of the Board of Education what are the standard requirements laid down in regard to the premises of elementary schools in order that they may be approved as efficient; whether the same standard is applied in the case of non-provided as in the case of provided schools; and what are the particular requirements as regards water supply, sanitation, lighting, and ventilation, respectively?

Mr. STANLEY

I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of the Code of Regulations for public elementary schools, and she will see that Article 5 makes certain requirements regarding the condition of the premises of a school. No specific standards applicable to all existing schools are, or could be, prescribed in respect of water supply, sanitation, lighting and ventilation. Each case is considered on its merits in relation to the circumstances and possibilities. As regards new schools, the Board will shortly be issuing detailed suggestions for the planning of elementary school buildings which will deal with the matter to which the Noble Lady refers.

Viscountess ASTOR

Will the right hon. Gentleman make perfectly certain that all schools have proper light and proper sanitary arrangements?

Mr. STANLEY

You cannot lay down general standards for all schools, but every school is inspected by one of the Board's inspectors. Particular attention is paid to these matters, and any deficiencies are being put right.

39. Viscountess ASTOR

asked the President of the Board of Education how far the reorganisation of elementary

Following is the answer:

Table showing (a) the numbers of public elementary school departments which on 31st March, 1935, were organised on the lines recommended in the Hadow report, and (b) the numbers of children in them.
ENGLAND AND WALES.
Public elementary schools maintained by local education authorities.
— Senior Departments. Percentage of Col. 3 to total number of pupils aged 11 and over. Junior Departments. All-age Departments with Senior Divisions. Percentage of the total of Cols. 3, 7 and 9 to total number of pupils aged 11 and over.
Number. Number of pupils aged 11 and over. Number. Number of pupils aged 8 and under 12. Number of pupils aged 11 and over. Number. Number of pupils aged 11 and over.
(1) (2) (3) (4) (6) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10)
per cent. per cent.
March, 1935. 2,744 792,474 41.3 6,215 942,871 129,782 1,304 149,593 55.8