§ 11. Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what research is being carried out by his Department into the need for nursery education for children aged three to five years.
§ Mr. RedheadThis is one of the matters which the Central Advisory Councils for Education has been examining as part of its study of primary education generally.
§ Mrs. ShortCan we expect a report from the Department in the near future? Does not my hon. Friend accept that when a building is being erected it is essential to get the foundations right, otherwise it is necessary to spend a lot of money on getting the superstructure repaired, which is what we are doing at the moment?
§ Mr. RedheadGenerally we accept that nursery education on a part-time basis is beneficial for children below the age of five. The report of the Plowden Council will be published in January, and my right hon. Friend will study the whole question of nursery education in the light of the recommendations contained therein.