§ Ms. LynneTo ask the Secretary of State for Education what funding will be available for the in-service training of nursery school staff in 1993–94.
§ Mr. ForthIt is for local education authorities to determine what provision might be made for in-service training for nursery school staff in 1993–94 in the light of their priorities and the overall resources available to them.
§ Ms. LynneTo ask the Secretary of State for Education what plans he has to improve the quality and quantity of nursery education in England and Wales.
§ Mr. ForthNursery education in Wales is the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales. It is for local authorities to determine the scope and form of provision for the under-fives in collaboration with other local providers. Within this frame the numbers of under-fives attending maintained schools in England have risen by 200,000 over the period of the present Government, including a rise of 26,000 between 1991 and 1992. Quality issues have been addressed in reports by Her Majestys inspectorate and the report of the Rumbold committee, which informed the educational408W content of guidance under the Children Act, and training for under-fives workers has been a priority within the grants for education support and training scheme for the last four years. It is for schools to ensure that the quality of their nursery provision receives appropriate attention within their overall planning.