§ Ms. ArmstrongTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what guidance he has given in relationship to primary schools who opt for grant-maintained status who then wish to establish a nursery class; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. EggarIf a primary school which had acquired grant-maintained status wanted subsequently to propose a significant change in its character by the establishment of a nursery class, the governing body would be required to publish proposals for that purpose under section 89 of the Education Reform Act 1988. The Department's circular No. 10/88 stated that the Secretary of State would not normally approve proposals for a change of character at a school within five years of its acquiring grant-maintained status.
§ Ms. ArmstrongTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether money allocated for a nursery class in a grant-maintained primary school will not be available for alternative use should the nursery class close.
§ Mr. EggarFunding is related to pupil numbers. If a nursery class were to close, and a result the school reduced its overall pupil numbers, its grant would fall.