§ Mr. RathboneTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will review the availability and quality of pre-school education in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. Mawhinney[holding answer 9 March 1990]: Responsibility for services for pre-school children is shared between the Department of Health and Social Services and the Department of Education for Northern Ireland.
As part of a broader review of health and social services boards' policy on child care, the social services inspectorate of the Department of Health and Social Services is currently undertaking an examination of the level of daycare provision available for young children. The results of this review will be available shortly. Day care facilities are required to be registered by the boards, and the quality of care provided in them is monitored by regular visits by social workers.
The availability of nursery education for children under compulsory school age in nursery schools and nursery classes in primary schools is kept under review by the Department of Education, but in recent years limited
2Wthe teacher concerned to have an opportunity to make representations before a decision is taken, and a subsequent right of appeal.
I shall be taking steps to ensure that forthcoming guidance to employing authorities in relation to local management of schools will stress the need for appropriate advice, support and training to be given to boards of governors in relation to their new powers in this area.
The Department of Education (NI) will also, after consultation with interested parties, be making an order modifying present employment legislation relating to the employer-employee relationship in order to ensure that the powers of boards of governors are matched by corresponding obligations.