SIR: I am addressing the issue about the Government Vouchers for four year olds half a day place which will come into effect April 1997.

Being a mother of four children aged seven, four, three and two my main concern is how will the vouchers affect our pre-school education.

Here in the north of England, children start nursery at three years of age, and school at four. If you are a parent you need to read between the lines and ask the Government to clarify some questions:

The vouchers are for four year olds. Will three year olds still be able to go to nursery?

Children only receive the vouchers the term after they are four. Who will pay for them before?

Will all schools get less money because the vouchers have to be paid for by the LEA? Because the children in Bolton go to school when they are four, the voucher may only cover the cost of half a day in Reception class. Will children only be able to go to school for half a day?

Will the voucher scheme give parents more choice or will some children not even go to nursery at all because they have a late birthday.

I hope these questions can be clarified by the Government before it is too late for anyone to object.

Mrs E Wheeler

Central Avenue, Farnworth

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