§ Sir Ralph HowellTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment for what reasons(a) private nurseries, (b) playgroups and (c) local education authority schools for under-fives are not subject to uniform (i) regulations and (ii) standards imposed by a single body. [4551]
§ Mr. Robin SquireThe regulation of different institutions is designed to correspond to the type of service they provide. Maintained schools provide education and are bound by education legislation. Private nurseries and playgroups offer day care as well as education for very young children and are therefore required to register under the Children Act 1989.