Mr. John D. TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many children attend nursery schools; what percentage this is of the total age group available for nursery education; what is the present expenditure per annum on nursery education; and if he will make a statement on the provision of additional nursery schools.
§ Mr. AncramA total of 7,822 pupils attended nursery schools and nursery units in the 1992–93 academic year, which was 30 per cent. of the relevant age group.
Expenditure in 1992–93 on nursery education was some £7.6 million.
The expenditure priority continues to be given to the compulsory schools sector. Additional nursery places are provided as resources allow, with priority directed at areas of greatest social need. An additional 225 places have been made available in the past three years.
Mr. John D. TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many(a) full-time and (b) part-time nursery school places are available in the Belvoir estate; how many of each category will be available for the year commencing September; and if he will make a statement about the provision of nursery school education in the Belvoir estate.
§ Mr. AncramThe two unit nursery attached to Belvoir Park primary currently provides places for 25 full-time pupils and 50 part-time pupils. From September 1994, the school will move to a dual-day system catering for a total of 100 pupils.
There are no plans to expand nursery provision in the Belvoir estate.