§ Mrs. ClwydTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science which authorities provide an educational welfare officer service for nursery schools; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. DunnThe information requested is not centrally available. All local education authorities maintain an education welfare service, but it is for them to decide on its deployment. DES circular 2/86 on "School Attendance and Education Welfare Services" set out the Government's view that the objectives and emphasis of education welfare services should remain firmly rooted in promoting regular attendance at school. Attendance at nursery schools is not compulsory.