Union's call for smaller classes

SCOTLAND'S largest teaching union will today call for action to cut class sizes. The Educational Institute of Scotland says all local authorities must do their bit or risk a class-size "lottery".

Ronnie Smith, its general-secretary, has written to all of the country's 32 education directors, emphasising the importance of councils delivering the Scottish Government's key policy.

"This is far too important an issue to become entangled in party-political infighting," Mr Smith said. "Our politicians, both local and national, must now deliver the smaller classes that our pupils, parents and teachers have been promised."

The SNP made a manifesto commitment to reduce class sizes to 18 or less for primary 1-3. A recent concordat signed with local-government body COSLA said the class-size reduction would be met "as quickly as possible".

Mr Smith said the government has already pledged additional money for the training and employment of additional teachers and called on councils to play their part.

He added: "Why should a young child in one part of the country be placed in a class of 25, while a few miles down the road, in another authority, children are being educated in classes of 18? All our pupils deserve the improved opportunities that smaller class sizes will afford them."

International studies have shown smaller classes have a positive impact on attainment, according to Mr Smith who said they also improve discipline.