Parties clash over class size ‘betrayal’

Mar 26 2009 by Gary Fanning, Hamilton Advertiser

THE Scottish Government this week were blasted for failing to reduce classes sizes in some primary schools in Lanarkshire.

Michael McMahon, Hamilton North and Bellshill MSP, has condemned the SNP for failing to deliver its manifesto commitment to reduce class sizes to 18 in primaries one to three.

Mr McMahon said official figures, published by the Scottish Government, show that in South Lanarkshire the average class size in P1 to P3 is over 23 while in North Lanarkshire it is above 22.

He said: “Despite pupil numbers falling in our primary schools, the Scottish Government have somehow managed to keep class sizes close to static.

"First Minister Alex Salmond promised that this policy would be delivered by 2011 but there is no way the SNP will be able to deliver this pledge in the next two years as the policy has been under-funded by his government.”

But the SNP hit back saying that they are committed to reducing class sizes to 18.

SNP’s Aileen Campbell said: “Smaller class sizes have proven educational benefits, especially for the youngest children in school, and I would hope MSPs and councillors from across the political spectrum are willing to work together to make sure this important target can be met.

"The most recent statistics actually show that the proportion of North and South Lanarkshire children in P1 to P3 educated in classes of 18 or less is at its highest level in five years.

"The SNP Government will continue to work with local authorities across Scotland to make sure our youngest children get the best education possible and that this important target is met.”