§ 4. Mr. Doddsasked the Minister of Education how many children under five years of age were attending State infants schools at the last convenient date; how this compares with the previous 12 months; and if she will give an assurance that the policy of admitting under fives will be continued.
§ Miss HorsbrughIn January, 1952, there were about 175,000 children under five years of age in maintained primary schools other than nursery schools in England and Wales, compared with just under 154,000 a year earlier. My policy is not to discourage the provision of nursery classes for children under five where there is a demand for them and satisfactory conditions can be provided. Where the admission of children under five would have an adverse effect on the older children I am bound to take the line that this is an undesirable practice.
§ Mr. G. ThomasIs the Minister aware that her building policy is making it necessary for some education authorities to restrict the admittance of children under five? Is she aware that I believe they have done so in Cardiff?
§ Miss HorsbrughI quite agree that the pressure on buildings must be for schools for children of compulsory school age. I think the hon. Member will agree with that. While this increase in the number of pupils continues we must do everything we can for nursery classes in those buildings.
§ Mr. ChapmanIs the Minister aware that some authorities are deliberately thinking of cutting down the admission of children under five merely in order to keep the rates down? Will she express her disapproval of that kind of thing.
§ Miss HorsbrughI do not know of any case, and perhaps the hon. Gentleman would like to bring to my notice any case he knows. As for the cutting down of the number of children entering schools in order that there shall be no extra buildings and no extra teachers, I cannot see how that will make much difference to the rates.