One in six pupils in Cheshire West & Chester in class sizes over 30

As children have returned to their classrooms this month, new analysis from The Labour Party shows that the number of pupils in class sizes over 30 has soared under the Conservatives, to one in six pupils in Cheshire West & Chester.

Labour analysis shows that since 2010, the number of pupils in classes over 30 in Cheshire West & Chester has increased by 2319. This picture is reflected nationally, with Labour analysis of House of Commons data, showing that since 2010:

• The number of secondary pupils in classes of 31 or more has risen from one in ten to almost one in seven pupils
• The number of primary pupils in classes of 31 or more has risen from one in nine to one in eight pupils

Coinciding with this increase in class sizes the gap in learning between disadvantaged pupils and their better off peers has not narrowed during the last five years of Conservative Government.

This has worsened during the pandemic with evidence suggesting that children in families that are struggling financially have fallen further behind their peers during national lockdowns.

To tackle these inequalities, Labour has launched a new ‘Bright Future Taskforce’ to deliver a long-term strategy for children’s recovery and ensure every child has the chance to fulfil their potential. Councillor Bob Cernik, Cabinet Member for Children and Families said:

“Over the last decade the Conservatives have made the wrong choices for children and once again it is a Labour council that is left to pick up the pieces. Whilst their term in Government has overseen an increase in class sizes and a failure to tackle the gap in learning which is holding children back, locally Labour’s term leading this Council has been dedicated to ensuring children and young people have the best start in life, including every school in our Borough being rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted. 

“I am pleased that Labour has recently launched its Bright Future Taskforce to tackle the damage done by the Conservatives in government.  We need real policies that will ensure every child can recover from the pandemic and achieve their potential. If the Government can’t get their act together to launch this initiative, then I am glad Labour is just getting on with it in opposition.”

• The number of secondary pupils in class sizes of 31 or more increased by over 130,000 between 2016 and 2020, an increase of 43% and the number of primary school pupils in class sizes of 31 or more has increased by nearly 20,000
• The number of primary pupils in classes of 31 or more has risen from one in nine to one in eight pupils

• Coinciding with this increase in class sizes the gap in learning between disadvantaged pupils and their better off peers has not narrowed during the last five years of Conservative Government.

  This has worsened during the pandemic with evidence suggesting that children in families that are struggling financially have fallen further behind their peers during national lockdowns.

  To tackle these inequalities, Labour has launched a new ‘Bright Future Taskforce’ to deliver a long-term strategy for children’s recovery and ensure every child has the chance to fulfil their potential. Councillor Bob Cernik, Cabinet Member for Children and Families said:

  “Over the last decade the Conservatives have made the wrong choices for children and once again it is a Labour council that is left to pick up the pieces. Whilst their term in Government has overseen an increase in class sizes and a failure to tackle the gap in learning which is holding children back, locally Labour’s term leading this Council has been dedicated to ensuring children and young people have the best start in life, including every school in our Borough being rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted. 

  “I am pleased that Labour has recently launched its Bright Future Taskforce to tackle the damage done by the Conservatives in government.  We need real policies that will ensure every child can recover from the pandemic and achieve their potential. If the Government can’t get their act together to launch this initiative, then I am glad Labour is just getting on with it in opposition.”