Liberal Democrats Pledge 21,000 Extra Teachers To Give Children The Best Start In Life

8.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 12th Apr 2005

Lib Dems would reduce class sizes

The Liberal Democrats today launched their plans for education. Charles Kennedy MP, Leader of the Liberal Democrats and Liberal Democrat Shadow Education Secretary, Phil Willis MP, today pledged to deliver:

· 21,000 extra teachers

· More individual teacher/pupil time

· Average class sizes of 20 for 5-7 year olds (Key Stage 1)

· Average class sizes of 25 for 7-11 year olds (Key Stage 2)

This will provide significant benefits for thousands of Children currently taught in much larger classes. The current average class size in England is 25.7 at Key Stage 1 and 27.2 at Key Stage 2.

At Key Stage 1 the regional average class sizes are:

London 26.8 Yorks and Humber 25.5

South East 25.8 East Midlands 25.2

South West 25.8 North West 25.2

West Midlands 25.8 North East 24.6

East of England 25.6

At Key Stage 2 the regional average class sizes are:

East Midlands 27.5 West Midlands 27.1

South East 27.4 London 27.1

South West 27.4 North West 27.1

East of England 27.3 North East 26.2

Yorks and Humber 27.3

Commenting at the launch Charles Kennedy said:

"High quality education for our children is essential- for the sake of our society, for the sake of our economy and for the sake of each individual's personal fulfilment.

"Education is the key to so many of the opportunities that our society offers. And it is the best investment that our generation can make on behalf of the next.

"Every parent of young children wishes they could spend more one-to-one time with them. That's sometimes difficult in today's hectic lives. So giving teachers more time to spend with every child will help give children a flying start; so that they can bring out the best in them - so they can inspire our children to learn and to be ambitious.

"The more time a teacher can spend with a child, the better the chances for that child. The Liberal Democrats will fund 21,000 new primary schools teachers; teachers who can bring out the best in them; inspiring our children to learn and to be ambitious.

"This will mean lower class sizes for infants - with an average of only 20 pupils per teacher - down from 25. And lower class sizes for juniors - with an average of 25 pupils per teacher - down from 27."

Phil Willis said:

"Liberal Democrats are ambitious for every child and this is the foundation of our pledge.

"Instead of a cash hand out for 18 year olds from a Child Trust Fund that favours those whose parents can already afford to save for them we will spend the money reducing class sizes, a measure which benefits all children regardless of their parents wealth or background.

"Smaller class sizes create a better learning environment and help foster better behaviour within the classroom.

Annette Brooke said:

"Starting school is a milestone for every child.

"But when children start school, many are overwhelmed by being in a class with so many other children after being in nursery groups or at playschool in much smaller groups.

"Smaller class sizes for 5 year olds will help ensure a smooth transition from pre-school to school.

"This is a reassuring message to all parents dropping off their young child at the school gates."