Written question asked by Dennis Canavan (Independent (affiliation)) on Wednesday, 31 March 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 13 April 1999. It was answered by Sam Galbraith (Labour) on Tuesday, 13 April 1999 on behalf of the Scottish Office.

Scottish Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what regulations or guidelines he has issued regarding child-minders and premises for child minding, with particular reference to the number of children and the number of child minders who can be accommodated on any premises. - Inc ref to Children Act 1989.

Answer: Mr. Canavan: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what regulations or guidelines he has issued regarding child minders and premises for child minding, with particular reference to the number of children and the number of child minders who can be accommodated on any premises. [80219] Mr. Galbraith: The Scottish Office issued guidance to local authorities on the regulation of services for children under the Children Act 1989 in June 1991. That guidance recommends adult:child ratios for child minding and other forms of day care for children under the age of 8. Advice on the number of child minders who may be accommodated on any particular premises is not, however, provided in the guidance. We issued a consultation paper on the regulatory arrangements for early education and child care in March this year. Follow up action could include revised guidance. From 1 July 1999, this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.

Secondary information