§ 16. Mr. GapesTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans she has to visit Redbridge to discuss class sizes in primary and secondary schools. [11741]
§ Mr. Robin SquireMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has no plans to visit Redbridge, although I recently visited South Park infants school in Ilford. Decisions about class sizes are a matter for local education authorities and schools, taking account of local circumstances.
§ 21. Mr. RendelTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans she has to reduce primary school class sizes in Berkshire. [11748]
§ Mr. SquireDecisions about class sizes are not a matter for central Government to resolve, but one for local education authorities and schools to determine, taking account of local circumstances.
§ 28. Mrs. Bridget PrenticeTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what recent representations she has received on the link between class size and educational achievement in the early years. [11755]
§ Mr. SquireThe Department has received a number of representations about class size and educational achievement in the early years. The Department has also received evidence that the most important factor affecting educational attainment is the quality of teaching.