§ Mr. DorrellTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) if he will list the characteristics which distinguish reception classes for four year olds from nursery classes for four year olds; [29697]
746W(2) what is the maximum pupil to staff ratio permitted by the regulations covering (a) nursery classes for four year olds, (b) reception classes for four year olds and (c) pre-school play groups for four year olds. [29698]
§ Ms Estelle MorrisThe Department of Education Circular 2/73 on nursery education in maintained schools recommends an adult: child ratio of 2 : 26 for nursery classes attached to primary schools where one adult is a qualified teacher and the other a qualified nursery assistant. It also suggests reception classes should make provision for 4-year-olds comparable to that found in nursery classes.
Pre-school settings registered with social services departments under the Children Act 1989 may apply the same adult:child ratio if the same qualified staff are present, if not the recommended ratio for 3–5-year-olds is 1: 8.
In reception classes, some children will be of compulsory school age; this is not the case in nursery classes.
The Department and the Department of Health will be consulting shortly on the regulation of early education and day care with the aim of creating a more uniform regime.