Health: Children

Lord Beecham Excerpts

Thursday 10th September 2015 Lords Chamber

[Lord Prior of Brampton]

I am not sure that I can give that question a full answer. I am aware of the early years programme and I think that it is largely up to schools to monitor the development performance of children when they come into reception classes, which they are doing. I have seen the figures that the noble Baroness refers to—the 40% figure of children who have not reached the right development age by the time they come into reception class. It is a serious issue and I will take her words on board.

[Lord Beecham (Lab)]

My Lords, what is the Government’s response to the recent concerns expressed by the Royal College of Nursing about the reduction in the number of school nurses in recent years, and what assurance can the Minister give that the reduction in the public health budget will not lead to a still further reduction in the number of school nurses?

[Lord Prior of Brampton]

I have not seen the figures that the noble Lord refers to on school nurses but I will take that away and look into it.