LAST Friday, I visited the Windmill Pre-school group. As well as the chance to play with some play dough, I was able to see the excellent work going on in this group.

The Labour Government has invested in more education places for the under-fives, so we are seeing a growth in nursery classes, voluntary playgroup places and private nurseries.

As the promise to provide a free place for all three year olds whose parents want it is delivered, there will be even more growth.

The challenge now is to ensure that these places are as good quality as I saw on Friday.

The introduction of Ofsted inspections and the foundation stage of the national curriculum will ensure quality is maintained.

Figures published last week also showed that average class sizes in our schools are falling.

In Worcestershire, we will have achieved the pledge to cut class sizes for five, six and seven year olds to less than 30 by this September.

But this has not been at the expense of classes for older children.

This year, the average size of classes for all ages in Worcestershire are lower than last year.

There is still plenty to do in Parliament.

This week, we are debating the Finance Bill that will implement the Chancellor's plans from the Budget.

Last week's cut in interest rates will bring further savings for those with mortgages and the Children's Tax Credit - worth around £520 a year for families - is introduced this week.

I have been publicising this family tax cut around the town in the last couple of months, but if you need further information, please contact the Redditch Tax Office - it's not too late!