NUT: Increase in 30+ class sizes shows worrying increase
Tuesday, 29 November 2011
4:05 PM
Wales’ largest teaching union, NUT Cymru, has called on the Government to take action to reduce class sizes after statistics showed the number of junior and infant classes with more than 30 children increased in Wales last year.
NUT Wales Secretary, David Evans, said:
"These figures are concerning and action does need to be taken to address the issue. The percentages for junior classes above 30 pupils are the highest they have been since 2004 and for infant classes for the best part of a decade.
“We know that the higher the class numbers the more difficult it is for teachers to give children the attention they need. Reducing class numbers is a key driver in enabling children to reach their potential. Hopefully these figures will act as a warning to the Welsh Government about the need to tackle this worrying trend.”
Notes to Editor:
The statistics on class sizes can be found here: http://wales.gov.uk/docs/statistics/2011/111129sdr2202011en.pdf
Contact: Owen Hathway, NUT Cymru, Ty Sinnott, 18 Neptune Court, Vanguard Way, Cardiff CF24 5PJ. Tel: 029 20491818. Mob: 07921146442 e-mail: cymru.wales@nut.org.uk
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