Primary class sizes larger than promised

The Scottish National Party (SNP) announced regulations to limit primary one (P1) class sizes to 25 students, breaking its previous promise of a cap of 18 and sparking anger from opposition MSPs.

Education Secretary Mike Russell said the move would put local councils "on a more sound footing" when dealing with placing requests from parents.

The current law states that teachers can have up to 30 pupils in each class.

Mr Russell’s proposals could be in place by October, subject to MSPs approval.

Conservative education spokeswoman Liz Smith said: "The SNP made a very specific manifesto pledge to deliver class sizes of 18 or fewer for all P1-3.

"Last year, after councils bluntly told the SNP that they couldn't deliver this policy, that target was abandoned and replaced with a more 'flexible' 20 per cent and a blatant attempt to doctor the statistics by claiming that a class of 30 pupils with two teachers can count as two classes of 15."

"Class sizes should be decided by head teachers and not by government. The SNP should stop trying to hoodwink parents and teachers."

Speaking at a visit to Letham primary school in Livingston, Mr. Russell argued that smaller classes meant children spent more time with teachers, adding that could "play a key role in both raising pupil attainment and improving behaviour in the classroom".

Lib Dem Education spokesperson and MSP for Edinburgh West, Margaret Smith, told The Journal: "The SNP Government failed to deliver their 'flagship' manifesto commitment to reduce class sizes to 18 for all primary one to threes.

"Teachers and pupils all over Scotland have had enough of the Education Secretary's hollow promises.

"With plummeting teacher numbers and many probationers unable to get a job, the Education Secretary needs a fresh approach to improving the teacher-to-pupil ratio in our schools. This will ensure a fair start for all our children.

"The SNP haven't given any detail of exactly how they'll deliver on this reduced pledge either."