§ Lady HermonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what risk assessment was carried out when deciding upon a maximum class size of 20 for music classes; by whom this risk assessment was carried out; and what evidence there is to support the limiting of class sizes to 20 pupils. [178539]
§ Mr. GardinerThe maximum class size of 20 for pupils in practical music classes was initially included in the Department's 2001 Circular on Class Sizes in Practical Subjects. More recently the Department reassessed the position by consulting with various educational specialists/organisations including the Department's Education and Training Inspectorate, representatives of heads of post-primary schools, school authorities and teacher unions.
886WThe professional view emerging from this consultation again confirmed that in general, health and safety hazards are such that adequate and safe supervision of pupils is not possible if more than 20 pupils are present in a class and involved in practical activities. This limit only applies to music classes involving the practical use of musical instruments. Also, the limit does not apply to choirs or orchestras, which are not classified as classes for the purposes of the Department's circular.
Should issues arise for specific schools with regard to meeting the maximum class size requirement of 20 pupils for music, schools can seek advice from the Department on an appropriate way forward.