§ Mr. Christopher Priceasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she will list in the OFFICIAL REPORT the number of local authorities that run registered courses for child minders, the number of such courses in operation and the number of child minders attending these courses.
§ Dr. OwenI regret that the information is not readily available in the form 339W requested. We know of about 15 local authorities who have already arranged courses for child minders, and of about 21 others who are hoping to start them. Average attendance is 15–20 per course. A number of other authorities provide more informal advice and support for child minders, and some voluntary bodies, in co-operation with local authorities, organise training programmes. In some areas child minders are included in courses for playgroup leaders.