§ Dr. KumarTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to provide nursery provision for three-year-olds through the education SSA allocation; and if he will make a statement. [72058]
§ Ms Hodge£390 million will be allocated to double the participation of three-year-olds in free early education places over the next three years. Local Education Authorities also continue to receive funding for under fives through SSA.
In 1999–2000, some £40 million will be allocated as a specific grant to the 50 local authority areas with the greatest social need; in the following two years specific grant will be distributed across all authorities. The Early Years Development and Childcare Plans will show how new places will be secured in the maintained, private and voluntary sectors.