§ Mr. BeithTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment in what circumstances school standard numbers may be set on the basis of class sizes of over 30 in respect of those age ranges for which the Government have set targets for class sizes below 30. [37511]
§ Ms Estelle MorrisStandard numbers are set on the basis of the capacity of the school as a whole. The organisation of pupils within a school is a matter for LEAs, governors and headteachers. This may mean that a school is able to adapt to class size policy without needing a reduction in standard number. The measures we are taking in the School Standards and Framework Bill will require each Authority to produce a statement setting out how they intend to implement limits on class sizes including the need for any variation to standard numbers. The Bill also provides that in deciding a proposal to reduce the standard number at a primary school the School Organisation Committee shall have regard to any limits imposed on class sizes. It further provides for the Secretary of State to suspend for a specified period the requirement to recruit up to the standard number for the purpose of enabling any limit on class sizes to be met.