§ Mr. Buchanan-Smithasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what consultations he has had with the Scottish Pre-School Playgroups Association regarding pre-school education; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what steps he is taking to involve voluntary playgroups and voluntary helpers in the provision of pre-school education; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. McElhoneMy Department has discussions from time to time with the Scottish Pre-School Playgroups Association about its development and the grant which my right hon. Friend gives it for its national activities; this grant has increased steadily over the last few years and £51,238 has been offered for 1977–78. I have had no discussions with the Association about pre-school education, which is the responsibility of education authorities. Education authorities have however been advised to pay particular regard to the extent to which the needs of an area are catered for by pre-school playgroups, in deciding their order of priority for the provision of nursery schools or classes, and to ensure that there is close co-operation and consultation where an area is served both by nursery classes and by playgroups. A discussion paper on school accommodation recently issued by my Department seeks views on whether special priority should be given, at least in areas of social need, to provision for children under 5, including nursery classes and playgroups, in making use of school accommodation released by the decline in the school population.