HC Deb 29 April 1999 vol 330 cc229-30W
28. Mr. Bill O'Brien

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what steps have been taken to support playgroups and pre-schools. [81544]

30. Mr. Peter Bradley

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what steps have been taken to safeguard the voluntary sector's involvement in early years services. [81546]

Ms Hodge

I refer my hon. Friends to the reply I gave earlier today to my hon. Friend the Member for South Swindon (Ms Drown),Official Report, column 474.

29. Helen Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what progress is being made in improving standards in early years education; and if he will make a statement. [81545]

Ms Hodge

Standards in early education are monitored through inspections by Ofsted. Work is underway on reviewing the desirable learning outcomes; creating a new framework of qualifications for those who work with young children; and reviewing the regulation of early education and day care. This will all contribute to further improvements in quality. In addition, Government funding for the training of early years staff has been made available through the Standards Fund and TECS.