§ Mr. AmessTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the requirements are for pre-school assistants to be able to work in pre-schools; and if he will make a statement. [173382]
§ Margaret HodgeThe criteria supporting the national standards for under 8s day care and child minding indicate
that all pre-school staff should be subject to checks to ensure that they are not disqualified from registration because of previous criminal convictions;that they are suitable, both mentally and physically, to care for children; andthat they have the appropriate skills and ability to do their jobs.