44. Mr. Jenkinsasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education the number of nursery schools now in existence in Wales and Monmouthshire; the number of children in average attendance; and the number of teachers employed?
Mr. LindsayThere are four recognised nursery schools in Wales and Monmouthshire, situated at Brynmawr, Merthyr Tydfil, Rhondda, and Swansea. These schools have accommodation for 360 children in all, and the total number of children in average attendance during the year ended 31st March, 1937, was 228. Eleven teachers are employed, together with a number of unqualified helpers. A proposal for a second nursery school at Rhondda has been approved in principle and a proposal for the provision of a nursery school at Cardiff is at present under consideration.
§ 51. Mr. Dayasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education the number of proposals at present before his Department for the purpose of opening nursery schools in England and Wales; and how many of these proposals are for open-air schools?
Mr. LindsayThirty-four proposals for opening nursery schools in England and Wales have been approved in principle by my Department and in a number of these cases final plans have been 2402 approved. Nine proposals are at present under consideration. In all these cases it is proposed that the buildings of the schools shall be constructed on open air lines.
§ Mr. DayCan the Minister say how many of these proposals he has had to refuse, and how many nursery schools are in being at the present time?
§ Mr. Godfrey NicholsonWill the hon. Gentleman do all in his power to encourage these schools?
Mr. LindsayThe Board welcome the provision of these schools in any part of the country where conditions are suitable.