MSP ATTEMPT TO BLOCK SNP MOVES TO CAP CLASS SIZES

For Immediate Release - Sunday 10th October 2010

Attn: NEWSDESKS

The SNP today (Sunday) said the Conservatives had real questions to answer

from Scotland’s parents and teachers over their attempt to block SNP

efforts to reduce class sizes.

The Scottish Government is introducing regulations to cap class sizes in

primary one at 25 pupils. On Friday the Tories education spokeswoman put

forward a parliamentary motion to block the move.

The current average P1 class contains 21 pupils, making P1 classes smaller

than ever. If the Conservatives are successful children could be forced

into larger classes and councils will be unable to enforce class sizes in

primary one of fewer than 30 pupils.

SNP MSP for Central Scotland and Education Committee member Christina

McKelvie questioned the Tories actions and said parents and teachers would

be outraged by the move:

“Class sizes are at their lowest ever, giving teachers more time to spend

with children. Those smaller classes are welcomed by parents, pupils and

teachers and the SNP is determined to protect those small classes and

ensure the best possible education for our young children.

“Parents, teachers and local authorities will be demanding answers from

the Tories.  Blocking this move will put at risk the improvements we have

made in early education. This move is inexplicable.

“Whatever game the Tories are playing it is time they put the education of

Scotland’s young children before their party political dogma.  They are

unpopular enough in Scotland – forcing class sizes up will only increase

their problems.

"Labour and the Lib Dems must be clear that they will back the SNP in

capping primary one class sizes at a maximum of 25 and reject this Tory

proposal.

“The SNP and Scottish Government have heard the concerns of parents and

teachers and understand that smaller classes are a priority when it comes

to education in early years.   We are responding to that priority and

putting it into law, with the support of local authorities, to ensure we

keep delivering for our children.”

ENDS

Contact SNP Press on 07595709693

Notes:

1. The Conservative motion which would block the class size cap if

successful is below: *S3M-7177 Elizabeth Smith: The Education (Lower

Primary Class Sizes) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2010—That the

Education, Lifelong Learning and Culture Committee recommends that nothing

further be done under the Education (Lower Primary Class Sizes) (Scotland)

Amendment

2. The Regulation being introduced by the Scottish Government would see

the class size limit for primary one classes set at 25 pupils.