§ Mr. ChopeTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, pursuant to her answer of 21 November 2001,Official Report, column 345W, on Early Years Excellence, (a) on what date and (b) by what means her Department fulfilled the promise made in the letter of 20 June to Somerford Infant School concerning their expression of interest. [18662]
§ Margaret Hodge[holding answer 27 November 2002]: The further guidance setting out criteria and detailed requirements for joining the Early Excellence Centre (EEC) programme was issued on 5 October. This explained that those whose expressions of interest were assessed as category 2 should submit a fresh expression of interest, taking into account the outline feedback provided. Somerford Infant School was assessed as category 2. The Department has not received a further expression of interest from Somerford Infant School. Nevertheless, the Department plans to follow up Somerford's interest along with others in a similar position.