§ Mr. Freud asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the ratio of supervisors to pupils and the amount to be paid per hour of supervision upon which his Department's calculation of £40 million as the cost of lunchtime supervision in a full year is based; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Chris PattenThe figure of £40 million was arrived at after considering a range of costs and staffing levels because different staffing ratios and rates of pay may be appropriate within the new arrangements to be supported by education support grant according to local circumstances. Such local differences might arise, for example, from variations in the numbers of supervisory assistants already employed and in the qualities of the staff which need to be recruited. Thus the sum of £40 million is not based on any single staffing ratio or rate of pay, but the Government are satisfied that it will suffice to provide reliable and adequate supervision in schools in England and Wales.