30 Pupil Limit Achieved in Gwynedd Schools

Labour Assembly Member for Gwynedd JOYCE WATSON AM has welcomed figures published which show that schoolchildren in Gwynedd continue to benefit from class sizes under 30.

Not one infant class out of 186 in Gwynedd had more than 30 pupils, while just two out of 231 junior classes had more than 30 pupils, at September 2007.

The percentage of junior classes in Wales with over 30 pupils stands at only 3% of the total, compared with 25% in 1999. Only 1% of infant classes in Wales contain more than 30 pupils.

JOYCE WATSON AM said:

“We have excellent schools here in Gwynedd, and I am delighted that schools and Gwynedd Council have continued to work to keep class sizes down. Now virtually all infant and junior classes in Gwynedd have 30 pupils or under. Thanks to Welsh Labour's investment in our schools smaller classes are here to stay.

“These small classes benefit our youngest children by giving them more teacher time and a better chance to improve their reading and number skills.

'”And through the new and innovative Foundation phase for early years education this Labour-led Assembly Government is committed to giving the very youngest children the best possible start.

“The roll out of the new Foundation phase across Gwynedd schools from next year will offer a radical new learning experience for 3 - 7 year olds. International evidence reveals that children do better if they start formal education later on and that children are put off learning altogether if they are tested too early.

”It will move early years education away from a rigid desk and blackboard style of teaching and place an emphasis on learning through play.

“Active involvement and participation in learning improves children's speaking and listening skills. Improving the personal and social skills of young children will encourage a more positive attitude towards learning throughout the rest of their school days and beyond.”