Clause 85 - Implementation in respect of nursery schools etc.
Education Bill
5:30 pm
Mr Stephen O'Brien (Eddisbury, Conservative)
I was a member of the Select Committee on Education and Employment and the Education Sub-Committee during the last session. The Committee produced an early years report. Among a host of issues, with which I am sure that the hon. Member for Don Valley (Caroline Flint) will be familiar, was the question of
whether those responsible for supervising and managing such groups should be qualified. Could someone unqualified be trusted?
Difficulties have arisen in my constituency because a number of gifted amateurs are part of the provision. Although I recognise that qualifications may be desirable, the demands of the timetable—the ability and the inclination to carry it out—are such that one playschool has closed in my constituency, and two others are under threat. It is an increasing concern, and that is why I support my hon. Friend's new clause.