HC Deb 14 June 1994 vol 244 cc473-4W
20. Mr. Mike O'Brien

To ask the Secretary of State for Education what research he has funded on the value of nursery education.

Mr. Robin Squire

This Department has not directly funded any research into the value of nursery education recently.

22. Mr. Insley

To ask the Secretary of State for Education what representations he has received on improving the provision of nursery education.

Mr. Robin Squire

My right hon. Friend has received a large number of representations on nursery education in recent months.

28. Mr. Simpson

To ask the Secretary of State for Education if he will list in order the 10 local education authorities that provide the highest number of places for nursery education for the under-fives per head of population and the 10 which provide the lowest number; and what plans he has for bringing the level of provision of the worst up to that of the best.

Mr. Robin Squire

The table shows the local education authority areas in England, which, in January 1993, had the highest and lowest participation rates for pupils under five in maintained nursery schools and nursery classes in maintained primary schools. In addition, many children under five are taught in infant classes in primary schools; these are not included in the figures given. Information about nursery places is not held centrally. My right hon. Friend has made it clear that we are looking at possible ways of extending the opportunities for children under five as resources allow and within our policy of promoting choice, diversity, quality and cost-effectiveness. This may thus incorporate all aspects of under-five provision and not simply be limited to maintained nursery schools and classes. We will announce our conclusions when we are ready to do so.

Percentage of children under five attending maintained nursery schools

and nursery classes in maintained primary schools

January 1993
LEA Percentage
Newham 64
Walsall 60
Cleveland 57
Sandwell 57
Manchester 57
Merton 57
North Tyneside 55
Salford 54

LEA Percentage
Wolverhampton 54
South Tyneside 53
Tower Hamlets 53
Gloucestershire 0
Bromley 2
Somerset 3
Wiltshire 4
West Sussex 5
Hampshire 5
Norfolk 5
Kent 5
Dorset 5
Essex 6
Havering 6

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