HC Deb 24 October 1968 vol 770 cc1561-3
4. Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he has concluded his discussions with the National Union of Teachers about the introduction of nursery education in the priority areas; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Edward Short

I discussed nursery education with representatives of the National Union of Teachers in July. My colleagues and I have since announced the urban aid programme, in which nursery provision will play a substantial part.

Mrs. Short

May I take this opportunity of very warmly thanking my right hon. Friend for the steps he has taken towards providing nursery classes? I tender these thanks to him on behalf of those, both inside and outside the House, who have campaigned for many years for this step to be taken. I assure my right hon. Friend that he has taken a marvellous step forward. However, would he bear in mind the fact that children in need of nursery education do not necessarily live in priority areas? Is he aware that we hope that this is a first move in a series of steps towards the provision of comprehensive nursery education for all children aged from three to five?

Mr. Short

I agree with my hon. Friend that this is a substantial step forward. It is providing nursery education in areas where it is most needed. I agree, however, that such facilities are needed in other areas as well; and I assure her that we are looking into that matter, too.

19. Mr. J. E. B. Hill

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what progress is being made in the provisions of extra nursery education in the educational priority areas.

Miss Bacon

The first phase of the urban aid programme will enable nursery education to be extended in priority areas in 34 boroughs. The Government propose to discuss with the local authorities associations criteria for identifying areas of special need.

Mr. Hill

Does the Minister of State realise how grateful are those who are interested in nursery education for this significant advance? Can she say whether this new work is likely to include any teaching by nursery groups, as recommended by Plowden? Further, can she say what steps are being taken to survey and, if possible, measure the social and educational benefit of this new development?

Miss Bacon

The matters about which the hon. Gentleman has asked me are really matters for discussion with local authorities, and we shall be consulting them as to the best way in which they can deal with this development in the areas selected. As he knows, further areas are to be selected later. I will certainly bear in mind what he has said about a survey.

Miss Lestor

Whilst I agree entirely with the enthusiasm shown for the provision of this extra nursery education, which is the first advance we have had since the party opposite introduced a ban on nursery schools in 1960, can my right hon. Friend tell the House whether there are any plans under the Urban Development Act to use some of that money for the promotion of help to play groups in the areas before we get the fuller expansion of nursery schools?

Miss Bacon

My hon. Friend will remember that when my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary made the announcement he said that children in general would benefit. The matter of the provision of play groups is not one for my Department, but comes in another sphere.