SCORN FOR MILIBAND’S SCHOOL CLASS SIZE PLEDGE

UKIP’s deputy leader has reacted with scorn at Ed Miliband’s announcement of capping school classes for five-to-seven-year olds

“I got a distinct sense of deja vu on hearing the news – not surprising since it was included in Labour’s 1997 manifesto,” said MEP Paul Nuttall.

“It has been a legal requirement since September 2001 for no more than 30 pupils in one-teacher classrooms but a census last year revealed that nearly 3,000 Key stage 1 pupils attended classes with more than 30 pupils.

“Primary school numbers have been rising since 2009 because of an increasing birth rate and increasing numbers of migrants settling in this country. This obviously leads to larger classes unless more spaces are provided and is why UKIP campaigns against uncontrolled immigration.

“Meanwhile Miliband talks of schools having 12 months to bring the class sizes down if they win the General Election in May, well frankly that’s just pie in the sky.

“I am all in favour of small class sizes, particularly for younger children where it has been shown to be most important, and it is something that UKIP would pursue.

“First class education is absolutely paramount for our young people and the future of this country and that must start the moment they walk into primary school,” said Mr Nuttall, the party’s Education spokesman.

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