Written question asked by Ralph Howell (Conservative), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 18 November 1996. It was answered by Robin Squire (Conservative) on Monday, 18 November 1996 on behalf of the Department for Education and Employment.

Dept for Education and Employment

Question: For what reasons (a) private nurseries, (b) playgroups and (c) LEA schools for under fives are not subject to uniform (i) regulations and (ii) standards imposed by a single body.

Answer: Sir Ralph Howell: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment for what reasons (a) private nurseries, (b) playgroups and (c) local education authority schools for under-fives are not subject to uniform (i) regulations and (ii) standards imposed by a single body. [4551] Mr. Robin Squire: The regulation of different institutions is designed to correspond to the type of service they provide. Maintained schools provide education and are bound by education legislation. Private nurseries and playgroups offer day care as well as education for very young children and are therefore required to register under the Children Act 1989.

Secondary information