HC Deb 21 October 1998 vol 317 cc1146-7W
Fiona Mactaggart

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what proportion of the independent schools registered with his Department which admit children of three years old and under have been visited by local social services departments following the invitation of the Registrar of Independent Schools in the last 12 months. [55627]

Ms Estelle Morris

One independent school admitting children of three years old and under has been visited by a local Social Services Department following the invitation of the Registrar of Independent Schools in the last 12 months.

Fiona Mactaggart

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment which local social services departments have recommended action to the Registrar of Independent Schools in respect of nurseries attached to independent schools in their area. [55626]

Ms Estelle Morris

The Department does not maintain statistics in the form requested. All information received from Social Services Departments about nursery provision at independent schools is passed to Ofsted's HMI who inspect such schools. Where weaknesses are found in that nursery provision, the Department takes action with the school to ensure that they are remedied.

Fiona Mactaggart

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many independent schools registered with his Department admit children younger than(a) three and (b) two years old. [55628]

Ms Estelle Morris

There are currently 2,261 independent schools registered in England. 921 admit children under three years old and 161 admit children under two years old.