Local primary kids having to put up with some of the biggest class sizes in country

5.06.34pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 26th Oct 2005

Official government figures have revealed that the Nottinghamshire area, which covers Ashfield, is in the top five areas for highest primary school class sizes in the country.

Over 15% of primary school children in England are still taught in classes of 31 or more. In Nottinghamshire, however, that figure is almost double, 26%.

Commenting on the figures Wendy Johnson, Lib Dem Spokeswoman for Ashfield said, "It is totally unacceptable that after 8 years of a Labour Government more than a quarter of primary school children in Ashfield and the rest of Nottinghamshire are in classes of over 30.

"These shocking figures show just how badly the government has failed to get the basics right. Large class sizes harm standards, affect 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 ministers were really listening to parents they would make smaller class sizes a priority."

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).