Free nursery target within sight

Most local authorities in Scotland are on course to achieve a
free nursery place for all three-year-olds by 2002.

The latest Scottish executive figures reveal that 80 per cent of
children in this age group are already in pre-school education
compared with 68 per cent at this time last year.

The picture though varies significantly between local
authorities. While Falkirk and the Western Isles have achieved less
than 50 per cent, most have over 75 per cent with Moray, West
Dunbartonshire, East Dunbartonshire and Perth and Kinross Councils
already having achieved 100 per cent.