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Pre-school facts and figures

* The Pre-School Learning Alliance (PLA) membership in England fell from 16,000 in 2002 to 15,500 this year. However, data from its membership surveys shows that the number of children registered at each setting has increased over that period from an average of 38 to 40, raising the total number of pre-school childcare places from 608,000 to around 620,000. * There are now 28 PLA Neighbourhood Nurseries across the country, of which 22 are designated as children's centres.

* There are now 28 PLA Neighbourhood Nurseries across the country, of which 22 are designated as children's centres.

* Since January 2004, the PLA has gained 145 new members but lost 364 members to closures. A PLA spokeswoman says the reasons for closure are not specifically defined but they will include a change of premises or move from sessional care to extended hours, closing as a pre-school and rejoining as a full daycare member. Some also close due to problems of sustainability; funding difficulties caused by LEA grants being decreased or no longer available; or not being able to find new premises.

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