Written question asked by Bill Etherington (Labour) on Thursday, 1 July 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 8 July 1999. It was answered by Charles Clarke (Labour) on Thursday, 8 July 1999 on behalf of the Department for Education and Employment.

Dept for Education and Employment

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, if he will list the guidance issued since 1992 to local education authorities regarding the provision of, and funds for, safe play surfaces for (a) nursery schools and units, (b) infant and junior schools and (c) secondary schools. - Inc ref to 1997 Building Bulleting 85, "School Grounds: A Guide to Good Practice" and National Playing Field Association 'Play Safety Guidelines'.

Answer: Mr. Etherington: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list the guidance issued since 1992 to local education authorities regarding the provision of, and funds for, safe play surfaces for (a) nursery schools and units, (b) infant and junior schools and (c) secondary schools. [89964] Mr. Charles Clarke: The Department's guidance for schools on play surfaces is contained within its 1997 Building Bulletin 85, "School Grounds: A Guide to Good Practice". Before then, the Department referred inquirers to the National Playing Field Association's publication, "Play Safety Guidelines", and continues to do so. The Department has not issued guidance to local education authorities on funding for safe play surfaces.

Secondary information