This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-36419384
The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Previous version
1
Next version
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Smaller infant class size policy questioned by adviser | Smaller infant class size policy questioned by adviser |
(about 7 hours later) | |
An adviser to the Welsh Government has questioned its plans to cut infant class sizes. | An adviser to the Welsh Government has questioned its plans to cut infant class sizes. |
Prof David Reynolds said evidence suggested reducing classes to under 25 did not bring significant results. | Prof David Reynolds said evidence suggested reducing classes to under 25 did not bring significant results. |
He said spending money on teachers' professional development would be better value for money. | He said spending money on teachers' professional development would be better value for money. |
The Welsh Government said the policy is an "important issue" for parents and could help teachers' workload. | The Welsh Government said the policy is an "important issue" for parents and could help teachers' workload. |
It is part of the deal between the Labour-run Welsh Government and the Liberal Democrats that saw its only AM, Kirsty Williams, appointed education secretary in Carwyn Jones's cabinet. | It is part of the deal between the Labour-run Welsh Government and the Liberal Democrats that saw its only AM, Kirsty Williams, appointed education secretary in Carwyn Jones's cabinet. |
There is also concern about the policy from within Labour's own ranks. | There is also concern about the policy from within Labour's own ranks. |
Backbencher Jenny Rathbone, AM for Cardiff Central, said the plan could "soak up" much of the £100m extra school spending Labour promised in its manifesto. | Backbencher Jenny Rathbone, AM for Cardiff Central, said the plan could "soak up" much of the £100m extra school spending Labour promised in its manifesto. |
Last week, First Minister Mr Jones said: "Every new commitment in this administration will have to be paid for by a cutback somewhere else." | Last week, First Minister Mr Jones said: "Every new commitment in this administration will have to be paid for by a cutback somewhere else." |
The Welsh Lib Dem manifesto included a plan to spend £42m over the next assembly term reducing reception, year one and year two class sizes to under 25. | The Welsh Lib Dem manifesto included a plan to spend £42m over the next assembly term reducing reception, year one and year two class sizes to under 25. |
The party said more than half of infants are taught in classes of more than 25, "stopping them from getting the best start in life". | The party said more than half of infants are taught in classes of more than 25, "stopping them from getting the best start in life". |
Recent government data showed that 7.3% of pupils (7,835) were in infant classes of over 30 pupils, an increase on the previous year. | Recent government data showed that 7.3% of pupils (7,835) were in infant classes of over 30 pupils, an increase on the previous year. |
Prof Reynolds said: "If you look at the academic evidence you don't get much out of reducing class size. | Prof Reynolds said: "If you look at the academic evidence you don't get much out of reducing class size. |
"If you're employing extra teachers or classroom assistants, that's going to cost you and you can find other policies - for example trying to improve teachers' capacity and knowledge about education and teaching skills. | "If you're employing extra teachers or classroom assistants, that's going to cost you and you can find other policies - for example trying to improve teachers' capacity and knowledge about education and teaching skills. |
"You can find other policies which are much cheaper which will give you the same kind of bangs for your bucks." | "You can find other policies which are much cheaper which will give you the same kind of bangs for your bucks." |
The idea is supported by teaching unions. | The idea is supported by teaching unions. |
But in 2012 a report by the think tank the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) found "the size of the class is unrelated to the school system's overall performance". | But in 2012 a report by the think tank the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) found "the size of the class is unrelated to the school system's overall performance". |
And in 2011, the education charity the Sutton Trust said reducing class sizes was one of the "least effective" ways of improving school performance. | And in 2011, the education charity the Sutton Trust said reducing class sizes was one of the "least effective" ways of improving school performance. |
Ms Rathbone said: "We seem to have possibly overnight torn up our manifesto commitment to spend an extra £100m on school standards because I understand the Lib Dems have costed this class size reduction at £42m over the course of five years. | |
"I am concerned that reducing class sizes sounds good but it won't necessarily change anything for the better." | |
A Welsh Government spokesman said: "Reducing infant class sizes to under 25 pupils is an important issue for parents and can have a positive effect on teachers' workload. | A Welsh Government spokesman said: "Reducing infant class sizes to under 25 pupils is an important issue for parents and can have a positive effect on teachers' workload. |
"That is why it is a priority area for the Welsh Government, and stems from the progressive agreement co-signed by the first minister and Kirsty Williams. | "That is why it is a priority area for the Welsh Government, and stems from the progressive agreement co-signed by the first minister and Kirsty Williams. |
"Class sizes are not the only driver for improvement in our schools and we will of course continue to invest in teacher training, continual professional development and school standards. | "Class sizes are not the only driver for improvement in our schools and we will of course continue to invest in teacher training, continual professional development and school standards. |
"The most recent Schools' Census shows the average infant class size in Wales was 25.4 pupils, and so future proposals will likely focus on consistency across our school communities. | "The most recent Schools' Census shows the average infant class size in Wales was 25.4 pupils, and so future proposals will likely focus on consistency across our school communities. |
"Teachers in the Foundation Phase are supported by teaching assistants, with significant funding provided to maintain low pupil to adult ratios." | "Teachers in the Foundation Phase are supported by teaching assistants, with significant funding provided to maintain low pupil to adult ratios." |
Previous version
1
Next version