Scottish class sizes

Scottish Parliament Education, Lifelong Learning and Culture Committee: Scottish Government’s class size policy

At its meeting on 20 January 2010, the Education, Lifelong Learning and Culture Committee agreed to consider the Scottish Government’s class size policy (to work towards a maximum of 18 pupils in primary classes 1 to 3).

At its meeting on 3 February 2010, the Committee agreed to write to local authorities, COSLA, the Association of Directors of Education in Scotland (ADES), teaching unions and academics to submit written evidence on this issue. The written evidence received will be posted here.

Voice’s Official Response

24 February 2010

Voice (Scotland) press release:  23 September  2009

Voice disappointed by Scottish Government’s announcement on class sizes 

Voice: the union for education professionals, which represents teachers, education support staff and childcarers across Scotland and the UK, has expressed its disappointment in the announcement on class sizes by Education Secretary Fiona Hyslop today (23 September 2009).

Maureen Laing, Voice’s Senior Professional Officer for Scotland, said: "While Voice supports the aspirations of the Scottish Government to work towards smaller class sizes in Scottish schools, we are very disappointed that the much heralded maximum of 18 pupils in all P1-3 classes is no longer to be the guiding principle.

"Without legislative action, it is unlikely that local authorities will enforce maximum class sizes. The decision to set P1 class sizes to a maximum of 25 may well mean an increase in class sizes in P1 and beyond. It is hoped that those local authorities who have implemented reductions in class sizes will not abandon them.

"A Class Size Review is welcome, and Voice is prepared to participate in this, in the hope that a proper discussion with the teaching unions leads to a coherent approach to maximum class sizes.

"Voice has long advocated a common-sense approach to reducing class sizes, by having a year-on-year reduction as cohorts progress through school."

Notes 

Scottish Executive Committee (SEC)’s policy statement on class sizes in Scotland (May 2008)

ends

Contact: Senior Professional Officer Maureen Laing (scotland@voicetheunion.org.uk) on 0131 220 8241 or  Voice Press Office (pressoffice@voicetheunion.org.uk) on 01332 372337.