§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what plans he has to improve nursery education provision in rural areas; [6101]
(2) what assessment he has made of the adequacy of nursery provisions in rural areas. [6102]
§ Mr. HainAt January 1996, over 90 per cent. of four year olds were receiving education in state schools. In predominantly rural areas, provision ranged from 70 per cent. in Gwynedd to 100 per cent. in Powys. Resources provided for the 1997–98 financial year are geared to funding at least a half-time place for every four year old in Wales whose parents want this. From April 1998, local authorities will be expected to produce early years development plans. These will address the issues of demand for places, additional provision needed to meet any shortfall, and the quality of provision.