The number of three-year-olds

The number of three-year-olds attending maintained schools or in free places in the private, voluntary and independent sectors in England rose by just over 67,000 from 352,100 in January 2001 to 419,200 in January 2002, according to figures published last week by the Office for National Statistics. Day nurseries, pre-schools and playgroups saw a rise of 67,700 from 116,900 in January 2001 to 184,600 in January 2002.The number in independent schools rose by 4,600, from 6,100 to 10,700. There was, however, a drop of 5,200 three-year-olds attending schools in the maintained sector.