§ Mr. WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will encourage local authorities to seek tenders for the provision of nursery education.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonIt is for education authorities to decide on the arrangements they make for the provision of nursery education in their area. I believe that co-operation between private and public sector as part of those arrangements can offer real opportunities and I am happy to commend such developments.
§ Mr. WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what he regards as a satisfactory pupil-teacher ratio in nursery schools; and what proposals he has to introduce national standards.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonThe adequacy of teaching staffing employed in nursery schools depends crucially on the number and expertise of other staff working alongside them. It follows that the appropriate level of teaching staff in nursery classes is best decided by education authorities in the light of their own policies and the particular needs of children.
Section 23(3) of the Schools (Scotland) Code states that the education authority shall employ nursery nurses or helpers in the proportion of not less than one such person for 20 pupils.