§ Angela SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many pupils in infant classes in Essex schools were in classes of 30 or over in September 1999; what percentage of infant pupils this represents; and what the change in the percentage was from September 1998. [101958]
§ Ms Estelle MorrisThe available information shows that, in September 1999, there were 4,972 pupils in infant classes of 31 or more taught by one teacher in the Essex local education authority area. This figure represents 13 per cent. of all pupils in infant classes taught by one teacher in that area. Since September 1998, the number of pupils in infant classes of 31 or more in Essex has fallen by 39 per cent.