Written question asked by Patsy Calton (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 18 June 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 14 July 2003. It was answered by Baroness Hodge of Barking (Labour) on Monday, 14 July 2003 on behalf of the Department for Education and Skills.

Dept for Education and Skills

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what assessment has been made of the reasons why local authorities make reciprocal arrangements to pay for (a) nursery and (b) childcare facilities.

Answer: Mrs. Calton: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what assessment has been made of the reasons why local authorities make reciprocal arrangements to pay for (a) nursery and (b) child care facilities. [121264] Margaret Hodge: Prior to April 2003, cross border disputes arose typically because of differences between local education authorities' (LEAs') eligibility criteria and grant distribution. Guidance issued by the Sure Start Unit encourages LEAs to make reciprocal arrangements or otherwise to consider funding on a case by case basis. Nursery education funding is now allocated to LEAs through their Education Formula Spending Share. This is calculated on the basis of the latest data on pupil numbers and reflects provision for all children taking up a free place, regardless of where they live. From April 2004, there should be no need for reciprocal arrangements since all LEAs will have a statutory duty to provide a free nursery education place for every three year old whose parents want one.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 121264; 409 c95W
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Childcare Finance Local government Nurseries Reciprocal arrangements
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk