61. Major Whiteleyasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education how many nursery schools and classes have been, or are being, established in England and Wales since the issue of Circular 1444 in 1936; how many children are affected; and what is the usual cost to the parents?
Mr. LindsaySince the issue of Circular 1444, the Board have recognised 19 nursery schools in England and Wales, with accommodation for 1,195 children. Thirty-two further proposals providing for 2,840 children have been approved in principle. Twelve other proposals are under consideration. Under the Board's Regulations no charge can be made to parents of children attending nursery 378 schools except for food and medical treatment. Very little is charged for medical treatment, and the charge for food varies from 1s. to 2S. 6d. a week, with an average of about 1s. 3d. A reduction or remission of the charge is made in necessitous cases. During the same period provision involving capital expenditure has been approved for 228 nursery classes in public elementary schools, accommodating about 9,000 children. The Board's records, however, are not complete, since local education authorities are not required to notify the Board of the establishment of such classes. As in the case of nursery schools, no charge may be made to the parents except for food and medical treatment.