HC Deb 03 April 1984 vol 57 cc509-10W
16. Mr. Tony Lloyd

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will indicate the number of nursery places available per 100 children in the borough of Trafford and the city of Manchester, respectively.

Mr. Dunn

There were 10 nursery places available per 100 children aged 3 and 4 in the borough of Trafford in January 1983, compared to 54 places in the city of Manchester.

19. Mr. James Lamond

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what proportion of pre-school children are receiving nursery education in the north-west of England.

Mr. Dunn

Twenty-six per cent. of children under five years of age were receiving education in nursery schools and classes in the north-west of England in January 1983.

22. Mr. Jim Callaghan

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what steps the Government are taking to improve the quality of nursery education.

Mr. Dunn

The prime responsibility for the quality of nursery education lies with local education authorities. But HMI inspects nursery schools and classes and the Department also provides courses for nursery teachers, sponsors and disseminates research, and encourages links between playgroups, nursery schools and classes and primary schools.

45. Mr. Cunliffe

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many primary schools have unused classrooms suitable for nursery classes.

Mr. Dunn

The amount of unused classroom space in primary schools varies continuously. No reliable estimate of the number of schools with space suitable for nursery classes can be made.