§ Mr. Maclennanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to improve the staffing of primary schools in Scotland.
§ Mr. Ross:In a Circular issued today I have proposed new and improved staffing standards for primary schools. The concept of maximum class size would be discontinued. Instead a minimum number of teachers would be prescribed for each school according to the number of pupils. The new standards are based on the average class size not exceeding 35, and should make classes of 40 unlikely. The number of additional teachers required to meet the new standards is estimated at 2,160, and this requirement should be met by 1972–73 in the light of the estimated increase of 4,500 in the number of primary teachers over the next five years. Education authorities, the General Teaching Council and teachers' associations have been asked to comment on the proposals. I am sending a copy of the circular to my hon. Friend.