§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what moneys he has given to pre-school playgroups in Wales; and if he will make a statement on his policy towards playgroups; [41497]
(2) what new funding he proposes for the playgroup movements in Wales; and if he will make a statement. [41651]
§ Mr. Win GriffithsPlaygroups have vital role in the development of both childcare and early years education for the under fives. We want to work in partnership with them to help meet the needs of children in Wales and their families. Wales Pre-school Playgroups Association and Mudiad Ysgolion Meithrin, as the principal voluntary organisations in this field, continue to receive core grant support from the Welsh Office.
136WWe will expect the 22 early years partnerships in Wales to consider available provision in playgroups in drawing up their early years development plans. Early education places in playgroup settings identified in EYDPs will be funded from resources we have made available in the 1998–99 local government revenue settlement. The plans will take effect from 1 September. Partnerships have until 31 May to submit their draft proposals to my right hon. Friend.
I am currently considering the development of a childcare strategy for Wales. Our proposals, which will seek to build on all the diverse forms of quality provision, including playgroups, already available, will be published shortly.