HC Deb 02 June 1980 vol 985 cc540-1W
Mr. Marks

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what size of class in nursery schools and nursery classes is recommended by his Department; and what is the average size in England.

Dr. Boyson

There is no statutory requirement covering the size of class or the ratio of staff to children in nursery schools and nursery classes. The Department advises a ratio of one qualified teacher and one nursery assistant to each class of 26 pupils.

The average size of a nursery class in a primary school in England is 25–7 pupils. No statistics are available for class size in nursery schools.