§ Mr. Laurence RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on the Government's policy regarding(a) the provision of and (b) the funding of playgroups. [47858]
§ Ms Estelle Morris[holding answer 1 July 1998]: The Government value the contribution pre-schools and playgroups can make to early education, day care and the continuing training and development of adults. Many playgroups receive Government funding in respect of eligible four year olds attending their groups. The Government already give an annual grant of £1.2 million to the Pre-school Learning Alliance. In addition, we announced on 6 May that £500,000 would be made available to help good-quality voluntary groups in danger of closing. Pre-school groups will also be able to benefit from the £6 million allocated for extra childcare places integrated with early education.