Primary class sizes still too high in Derby
October 18, 2005 10:30 AM
Derby Lib Dems are campaigning to reduce class sizes for local children
The Labour government has failed to deliver on pledges to reduce class sizes for many of our children. Over 15% of primary school kids in England are still taught in classes of 31 or more. Unfortunately for children in Derby it's even worse. In Derby more than one in five (21.8%) of primary school children are in classes of 31 or more.
The Liberal Democrats propose recruiting an extra 21,000 primary school teachers to reduce average classes sizes to 20 at Key Stage 1 (5-7 year olds) and 25 at Key Stage 2 (7-11 year olds).
Derby Liberal Democrats' Education Spokesman Cllr Les Allen said; "It is just wrong that more than one in five primary school children in Derby are in classes of over 30.
"These terrible figures show just how badly this Labour government has failed to get the basics right.
"Large class sizes harm standards, effect discipline and are a major barrier to improvement in schools.
"All research in this area shows that for younger children, especially those who struggle in school, smaller classes are vital. Parents who can afford to opt for private education know that - because a main motivation for them has always been smaller class sizes.
"If government ministers were really listening to parents they would make smaller class sizes a priority."
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