Press Release: AM WELCOMES SMALL CLASS SIZES IN NEATH SCHOOLS

NEATH Labour AM Gwenda Thomas has welcomed figures published today [Wednesday 28 November 2007] which show that schoolchildren in Neath continue to benefit from small class sizes.

Thanks to Welsh Labour’s record investment in education since the Assembly came into being in 1999 - 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.

Neath Labour AM GWENDA THOMAS said:

"I am delighted that schools in my constituency and Neath Port Talbot Local Education Authority have continued to work to keep class sizes down so that virtually all infant and junior classes in my constituency have 30 pupils or under. Thanks to the Labour-led Welsh Assembly Government's investment in our schools - smaller class sizes are benefiting our youngest children by giving them more teacher time and a better chance to improve their reading and numeric 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 in our schools from September 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.’’