§ 6. Mr. Tony LloydTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement on the treatment of voluntary aided schools with respect to nursery provision.
§ Mr. EggarWhere the governors of a voluntary aided school wish to establish a new nursery unit, they must publish statutory proposals under section 13 of the Education Act 1980. In considering whether these should be approved, the Secretary of State will take into account the circumstances and needs of the school and its surrounding area and the level of grant aid being sought.
§ Sir John HuntTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will introduce legislation imposing a statutory duty upon local education authorities to provide for the education of all children to begin in the autumn term of the school year in which they attain their fifth birthday; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. EggarNo. This country is almost alone in providing compulsory education from as early as five. We believe that the requirements of younger children and their parents are best met by a diversity of provision.