§ Mr. George HowarthTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what assessment she has made of the(a) optimum number and (b) minimum number of pupils at which a primary school can provide a balanced education; and if she will make a statement. [2123]
§ Mr. TimmsThere are good schools of all sizes. Delivery of a balanced curriculum depends on the organisation of the school and the skills and professionalism of the staff. We are supporting high standards in schools by effective inspection and targeted increased resources.
Where schools have declining rolls and a large number of empty places, their future should be reviewed, particularly in cases where suitable alternative provision is easily accessible.
§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what action she plans to take to reduce primary school class sizes for those aged eight years and over. [2144]
§ Mr. TimmsFollowing increases in the amount of education funding we have made available to schools and local education authorities since 1997, the average class size for primary pupils aged eight and over has fallen for the second consecutive year; it is now 26.7. We intend to continue to improve funding to schools and by 2003–04 the average funding per pupil will have risen by £750 in real terms since 1997–98; schools may use this to reduce class sizes for junior pupils if they see that as a priority. In addition, we have announced that £73 million is being made available this year specifically to ensure that infants transferring to junior class continue to benefit from small classes.