Plans for lower class sizes will help Rural Schools

4.49.24pm GMT Wed 18th Feb 2009

"Lib Dem plans for lower class sizes will help to save rural schools like Church Lawton" says Peter Hirst.

Reducing class sizes would help to protect rural schools

Parliamentary Spokesperson for Congleton, Dr Peter Hirst claims that local primary schools threatened with closure would be more likely to survive if class sizes for 5-7 year olds are reduced to 15 pupils - as recently proposed by Lib Dem Leader Nick Clegg.

Church Lawton is the latest small local school to come under threat of closure by Cheshire County Council.

"Reducing class sizes increases the number of teachers in these schools" he said, "This would make it much easier for small rural schools - like Church Lawton - to be justified."

"There will be a much greater chance of them having that critical mass of teaching staff that helps to make such schools viable".

Nick Clegg's proposal is due to be debated at the Liberal Democrat Spring Conference in Harrogate next month - which Dr Hirst expects to attend.

Readers are encouraged to sign Peter's petition on protecting local services at www.ourcampaign.org.uk/cldpetlocser