§ Richard OttawayTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills whether Croydon council is in breach of its obligations in the provision of free nursery places for three-year-olds. [171448]
§ Margaret HodgeSection 118 of the School Standards Framework Act 1998 places a duty on all LEAs to ensure sufficient nursery education for children of the prescribed age. They must also have regard to a Code of Practice which makes clear that, with effect from 1 April 2004, and six months ahead of target, all three-year-olds are entitled to receive a free part-time place for at least six terms prior to compulsory school age. Croydon council has yet to confirm that all three-year-olds will receive that entitlement in full. I have asked my officials to investigate the matter and to work closely with the local authority officials to ensure that parents and children in Croydon are able to benefit fully from the free entitlement.