THE row over the Vale of Glamorgan Council's decision to stop funding full-time nursery places at schools has reached parliament.

The decision, and the council's admission of'error and confusion' over funding, was revealed in the Barry and District News, and has caused an outcry from parents and politicians.

Vale of Glamorgan MP John Smith raised the point in Welsh questions in the House of Commons, during a session on the link between nursery education and the eradication of child poverty.

Barry Island, St Baruc, High Street, Oakfield, and Ysgol Gwaun-y-Nant primary schools are affected by the decision, which means they will only be able to provide free part-time nursery places after the summer break.

MP Mr Smith has also asked the National Assembly's Inspectorate to conduct a full investigation of the matter.

Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales, Don Touhig MP, has agreed to Mr Smith's request to investigate the matter with a view to reversing the decision.

Mr Smith said: "Comparable local authorities like Bridgend provide full-time nursery places in all state primary schools. We will work to overturn this absurd decision."

Chairman of governors at High Street Primary, Stuart Egan added: "The full-time places need to be reinstated. There is a need for this service for parents in the local area. Mothers who want to go to work will find it more difficult."