§ 34. Mr. Haselhurstasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the proportion of rising fives admitted to school in England in the last year for which statistics are available.
§ Mr. DunnThis information is not available in the form requested.
In January 1983 there were 50,309 four-year-olds in nursery schools and classes and 208,423 in reception classes of primary schools who were four at 31 August 1982.
This represent 71.2 per cent. of the relevant population.
§ 47. Mr. Hicksasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many local education authorities operate the rising fives scheme; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. DunnTo differing extents all LEAs use their discretionary powers to admit children to school before the start of the school term after their fifth birthday. The rising fives scheme operated by the Cornwall education authority is one of many variants.