§ 86. Mr. Peter Freemanasked the Minister of Education what plans have been prepared for one or more nursery schools in Newport; how many children between two and five years of age live in Newport; and what proportions are estimated as desiring to attend nursery schools; how many classes for such children exist at present; and how many children can be provided for in them.
§ Mr. TomlinsonThe number of children between two and five years of age in the county borough of Newport is not known exactly, but is about 4,900. It is thought that accommodation in nursery schools or classes may ultimately he required for as many as one-half of this number. In January, 1948, there were 587 children under five years of age in attendance at primary schools maintained by the local education authority, of which 254 were in nine nursery classes.
I am not aware that any plans have been prepared for the erection of nur- 78W sery schools in Newport, and I cannot include proposals for schools of this kind in the authority's building programme for the year 1949, having regard to demands on labour and materials for more urgent projects.
§ 88 and 89. Mr. Piratinasked the Minister of Education (1) what percentage of the age group three to five are at present in nursery classes organised as such; and what is the actual number of children involved;
(2) what percentage of the age group two to five are at present in nursery schools; and what is the actual number of children involved.
§ Mr. TomlinsonIn January, 1948, there were 20,661 children aged two and under five on the registers of grant-aided nursery schools. This was about one per cent. of the total number of children of these age groups in England and Wales. On the same date there were 71,000 children on the registers of organised nursery classes. It is estimated that the number aged three and under five was about five per cent. of the total child population of England and Wales in these age groups.