Express & Star

Rise in pupils in large classes in Midlands

The number of five to seven-year-olds taught in classes of more than 30 pupils has risen around the region.

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Latest figures published by the Department for Education reveal a widespread rise in Key Stage 1 classes containing more than 30 children since 2010 - and the local picture mirrors the national one.

Wolverhampton has seen the largest increase in the area, with 1,000 children affected compared to just 62 four years ago.

See also: Wolverhampton school set to double in size is downgraded by Ofsted.

Staffordshire's number has risen from 310 to 876, while Walsall's has increased from 93 to 279.

See also: Scathing attack on Walsall schools.

A total of 186 pupils in Dudley are being taught in classes of more than 30.

However, council bosses said the figures are not a major concern as long as pupils are getting a good education.

Councillor Phil Page, Wolverhampton City Council's cabinet member for schools and learning, said: "The increase in the number of Key Stage 1 pupils taught in larger classes is primarily a result of increasing demand for primary school places in Wolverhampton because of the rising population and also an increase in the number of parents who have successfully appealed for a place in a preferred school.

"We're determined to do all we can to drive up pupil attainment levels and have already seen a notable improvement in results at Key Stage 1 this year."

Are there any benefits to larger class sizes, or do children learn better in smaller groups? Leave your comments below.

Staffordshire's education chief, Councillor Ben Adams added: "We only increase class sizes as a last resort and where Department for Education criteria has been met.

"This is only in situations where we are certain the school will be able to cope, that it will not have a detrimental effect on children's education."

The last Labour Government introduced a legal limit of 30 pupils for infant classes, except in exceptional circumstances, but the coalition Government has relaxed these rules, allowing a school to breach the limit for 12 months if it is working to ensure numbers are brought down the following year.

Research from the Department for Education has found that in smaller classes there is more active involvement and interaction between teachers and pupils. The research also states that 96 per cent of parents believe the number of children in a class affects the quality of teaching and learning. Smaller classes have also been found to lead to an increase the number of years a student spends in post-compulsory education.

Councillor Tim Crumpton, Dudley's cabinet member for children's services, said of his situation: "We are extremely proud of our relationship with schools and between us we can keep to what we believe are good class sizes.

"Our figures for January 2014 relate to just six additional pupils, which could have been looked after children requiring immediate schooling or those placed in the schools by an appeals panel over which the local authority has no control, and the admission process was in line with statutory guidance."

Councillor Barbara Cassidy, portfolio holder for children's services with Walsall Council, added:"There are various factors that can put schools over their numbers. This includes appeals decisions to place a child at a particular school or exceptions such as Looked After Children (LAC) or Special Educational Needs (SEN) Children)."

Sandwell Council was unable to provide figures.

See also: Ofsted upgrade for Bilston schools.

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