HC Deb 27 June 1968 vol 767 cc796-7
17. Mr. Silvester

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science, in view of the restrictions of the public provision of nursery schools, whether he is satisfied that sufficient control exists over the quality of the staff of private nursery schools; and if he will make a statement.

Miss Bacon

An independent nursery school, if it has at least five children of compulsory school age, must register under Part III of the Education Act, 1944. It then becomes subject to inspection by H.M. Inspectors and my right hon. Friend has power under Section 71 of that Act to require the proprietors to employ staff of a quality to ensure efficient and suitable instruction for the children attending the school. If there are less than five children of compulsory school age it may be registrable under the Nurseries and Child Minders Regulation Act, 1948, and is the concern of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health and of the local health authorities.

Mr. Silvester

I am grateful to the right hon. Lady for that explanation of the present position. I believe that some people are disconcerted by the way in which the responsibility for this kind of school or nursery—

Mr. Speaker

Order. The hon. Gentleman must put a question.

Mr. Silvester

Is the Minister aware that there is some concern that the responsibility for the care of children of this age group is split between the Ministry of Health and the Department of Education and Science? Could she say something about whether there is sufficient liaison between the two, and whether any changes are envisaged?

Miss Bacon

The hon. Gentleman is quite right but it is in fact split not in two ways but in three, because the Children's Department of the Home Office also has certain responsibilities in this field. But I agree that there is a split responsibility and perhaps the Seebohm Committee Report will help in that respect.