HC Deb 05 December 1957 vol 579 cc585-6
6. Mr. Moss

asked the Minister of Education to what extent he has considered the effect of Circular 313 upon infant and other schools; and what is his conclusion.

Sir E. Boyle

The effect has been to improve conditions for the children and to make better use of the available staff.

Mr. Moss

While thanking the Minister for his courtesy in having written to me about the position in the County of Warwick, may I ask if I am to understand that the Warwickshire Education Authority is free to admit children to infants' schools if they reach their fifth birthday in the term, provided there are reception classes? Did the Parliamentary Secretary inform the county education officer of the contents of the letter which the hon. Gentleman sent to me?

Sir E. Boyle

There was certainly nothing private in the letter I sent to the hon. Gentleman. The local education authority has discretion under the circular to treat each school on its merits. The circular does not affect the admission of children in the term in which they will become five. If there are further points, perhaps the hon. Gentleman will correspond with me again.