To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how many three and four-year-old children are entitled to free nursery places in each local authority area; how many such places are available in each local authority area; and if he will make a statement. (182062)

[holding answer 25 January 2008]: Since April 2004 all three and four-year-olds have been entitled to a free part-time early education place for 12.5 hours per week for 38 weeks of the year. From 2010, this offer will be extended from 12.5 to 15 hours per week for 38 weeks of the year.

Information about the part-time equivalent number of free early education places filled by three and four-year-olds has been placed in the House Library.

The latest figures on early education places for three and four-year-olds in England were published in Statistical First Release (SFR) 19/2007 “Provision for children under five years of age in England: January 2007”, available on the Department’s website:

www.dcsf.gov.uk/rsgateway/