§ Jackie BallardTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on the progress being made by local authorities in preparing early years development plans. [58877]
§ Ms HodgeAll Local Education Authorities in England have Early Years Development Plans for 1998–99, demonstrating how the maintained, private and voluntary sectors will provide a free, high quality, early education place for all four year-olds in their area whose parents want one. Plans which extend to child care will be drawn up for 1999–2000.