§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will indicate(a) how many and (b) what percentage of nursery age children are in nursery education in Wales; and if he will make a statement. [72027]
§ Mr. HainIn line with the Government's commitment to nursery education, a free, at least part-time education place has been available under local early years development plans from September 1998 to all four year olds whose parents want this, from the term following the fourth birthday. Local early years development partnerships can decide to secure and fund places in the maintained or non-maintained sector, provided they work within an agreed quality assurance framework.
There were 25,590 children in maintained nursery schools or nursery classes in maintained primary schools, as at January 1998. This is 35 per cent. of 3 and 4 year olds.
In addition, there were 29,346 children under 5 years old who attended ordinary or special classes in maintained schools. This represents a further 40 per cent. of 3 and 4 year olds.
Non-maintained settings also provide nursery education places for three and four year olds which are funded under local early years development plans. Information on the 183W number of such places is not yet available centrally but should be in late Spring when draft plans for school year 1999–2000 are submitted to the Secretary of State for approval.
Following the transfer of functions, this issue will be a matter for the National Assembly.