LABOUR'S SHAME OF SECONDARY SCHOOL CLASS SIZE INCREASES IN BRENT - TEATHER

4.00.00pm GMT Thu 24th Feb 2005

Sarah is appalled at Labour for letting down local children

Local Liberal Democrat MP Sarah Teather has today revealed shocking new figures on the number of secondary school children being taught in class sizes over 31. In 1997, 353 children were taught in classes with 31 children or more. In 2004, the figure has rocketed to 1,594, a rise of almost 400%.

The number of secondary school children being taught in class sizes of 26 or more has also risen by around 40%, from 4969 in 1997 to 6963 in 2001. The figures were revealed to the Brent East MP following a parliamentary question.

Brent Council will this year record an 8% underspend on what the Government recommends is spent on education, equivalent to £47,800 off the budget of a 200-pupil primary school.

Local Liberal Democrat MP Sarah Teather said:

"These are figures that must shame the Labour Government. Tony Blair's words of 'Education, Education, Education' have proved to be nothing more than hollow soundbites, full of spin but lacking any substance. Unfortunately it is the children of Brent that are suffering the consequences of Labour's empty promises.

"Children must be placed in environments where they can thrive. With class sizes on the increase teachers are in danger of becoming more like football referees.

"Labour is simply letting down the children of Brent, there are too many children who are being taught in over-crowded temporary classrooms and who are not receiving the education they deserve. Headteachers and their staff deserve all the credit in the world for their dedication and commitment in such challenging conditions."