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News release
West Lothian is at the forefront for class size reductions
Pupils in West Lothian are set to benefit from ground-breaking changes to class sizes for P1 - P3.
A report submitted to West Lothian Council's Education Policy Development Scrutiny Panel has highlighted the impressive progress being made in the introduction of a maximum class size of 18 pupils.
From the beginning of the new school year in August 2008, staffing and accommodation will be in place to enable class reductions in approximately 26 West Lothian primary schools. West Lothian Council aims to have fourteen schools with all of their P1 - P3 classes containing 18 pupils or less. The council will assess the success of the plans after the new term commences.
Priority has been given to schools in areas of highest deprivation measured by SIMD (Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation).The Scottish Government has tasked councils with making year on year progress to reduce class sizes to no more than 18 pupils in P1 - P3.
West Lothian Council's progress has been recognised by Cabinet Secretary Fiona Hyslop as being amongst the most advanced in Scotland. She said: "We know that smaller classes make a big difference - that's what parents, pupils, teaching unions and teachers want and that's what the Scottish Government will deliver.
"I'm delighted to hear about the progress that West Lothian Council have made to reduce class sizes for in P1 - P3, helping give children in West Lothian a better start in life. This shows what can be done when local and central government work together in partnership.
"The local government settlement includes provision to broadly maintain teacher numbers and reduce class sizes in the face of falling school roles. As part of the historic concordat with local councils, COSLA and the Scottish Government are working in partnership to deliver year on year progress to reduce class sizes to 18 in P1 to P3."
Executive councillor for education, Andrew Miller, said: "We recognise that smaller class sizes for P1 - P3 pupils provides young children with a positive start to formal education and helps overcome barriers to learning from the start of their school experience, which will hopefully benefit them in later life. This is a fantastic step forward for the education of young people in West Lothian.
"Class size reduction is a key priority for West Lothian Council. We appreciate that educational requirements and teaching methods have changed substantially over the last decade. With changes to the way young people are educated, we recognise that smaller class sizes will allow all pupils the attention and quality of education they deserve.
"We are delighted with the progress being made but are well aware that challenges lie ahead in ensuring that all P1 - P3 pupils benefit from smaller class sizes. West Lothian has the youngest and fastest growing population in Scotland, which provides logistical challenges in terms of education provision.
"However, we feel that we are well placed to make further progress on reducing class sizes over the coming years and have recently announced plans to invest £9.7million on primary school improvements, as some schools will require extensions/adaptations. Seven of these projects are underway as part of the council?s 10-year capital programme. The schools are: St Thomas, Addiewell, Murrayfield, Blackridge, Falla Hill, St Columba's and Longridge."
Date: 21-08-2008
