HC Deb 15 May 1996 vol 277 cc461-2W
Mr. Spearing

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what occupations are(a) included and (b) excluded by the provision of the substantial experience of providing for education of four-year-olds in the advertisement for applicants for registered nursery education inspectors. [29519]

Mr. Robin Squire

This is a matter for Her Majesty's chief inspector of schools, who heads the Office for Standards in Education. I have asked Mr. Chris Woodhead to write to the hon. Member.

Mr. Spearing

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what instructions she has given to Ofsted in respect of persons of substantial experience in provision of education for four-year-olds in relation to applications for becoming nursery education inspectors. [29520]

Mr. Squire

The Nursery Education and Grant-Maintained Schools Bill requires the chief inspector to satisfy himself that nursery education inspectors are fit and proper persons to undertake nursery education inspections, and capable of conducting them competently and effectively, before registration.