.jpg?v=4d221e1e53552f8063bfe02cca7edd87)
Welsh government launches fund to reduce infant class sizes
The government of Wales is taking steps to ensure that infant school pupils can be taught in smaller groups, as a means of improving the standard of education available across the country.
A £36 million fund has been introduced to help reduce infant class sizes, with money to be directed at the frontline and starting with the largest class sizes, with a particular focus on classes where teaching and learning standards need to improve, or where high levels of deprivation have been recorded.
Revenue and capital funding will both be made available over the next four years until 2021, responding to concerns raised by parents and teachers about class sizes in early-years education.
The latest figures show that 7.6 per cent of infant pupils in Wales - or 8,196 individual children - are in classes with more than 30 students, which could be stopping them from receiving the quality of teaching and one-to-one interaction they require to excel during these formative years.
The Welsh government has considered these figures and examined international evidence before announcing the new fund, which is designed to make sure every child in Wales has access to the same educational opportunities.
Education secretary Kirsty Williams said: "There is a positive connection between smaller classes and attainment, particularly for pupils from poorer backgrounds. This is most significant for younger children, which is why we are targeting this investment at infant class sizes.
"This announcement, linked to our other reforms, will create the space for teachers to teach and for pupils to learn."
Sign up to posts
Related jobs
Salary
£95 - 105 per day
Location free text
Northamptonshire
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
Less than £100 per day
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Early Years
Location
Northamptonshire
Description
Location: NorthamptonHours: Monday to Friday, 8:30am – 3:30pmType: Full-Time About the role:One of our fantastic schools in Northampton are looking for an EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) classroom
Reference
NORRE666
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Northants & Counties PrimaryAuthor
Northants & Counties PrimarySalary
£89 - 95 per day
Location free text
Blackpool
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
Less than £100 per day
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Early Years
Location
Blackpool
Description
Early Years Educator (Level 2 or 3) – Join a Caring Pre-School in Blackpool! Are you a qualified and enthusiastic Early Years professional looking to make a meaningful difference in a nurturing envir
Reference
SWEYA853055BP
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Lancashire North PrimaryAuthor
Lancashire North PrimarySalary
£150 - 220 per day
Location free text
Hull
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
£200 - £299 per day
Sector
Teacher
Location
Hull
Description
EYFS Teacher – Hull Location: Hull Pay: £150 – £220 per day Contract: Full-time, TemporaryAre you an enthusiastic Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Teacher ready for your next challenge? We’re
Reference
EYFS teacher Hull
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Salary
£150 - 220 per day
Location free text
Hull
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
£200 - £299 per day
Sector
Teacher
Location
Hull
Description
EYFS Teacher – Hull Location: Hull Pay: £150 – £220 per day Contract: Full-time, TemporaryAre you an enthusiastic Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Teacher ready for your next challenge? We’re
Reference
EYFS York
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Salary
£89.38 - 160.00 per day
Location free text
Bury
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
Less than £100 per day
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Early Years
Location
Greater Manchester
Description
Position: EYFS Educator (Qualified as well as experience) Location: Bury, Greater Manchester Contract Type: Supply (Day-to-Day or Long-Term Opportunities) Salary: £120–£160 per day (dependent on exper
Reference
BUREYFS
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Manchester North PrimaryAuthor
Manchester North PrimarySalary
£90 - 105 per day
Location free text
Bristol
Job Type
Part Time
Salary
Less than £100 per day
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Bristol
Description
Location: BS39, Bristol Start Date: ASAP Days: 2 days per week (with the possibility of additional days) Pay: £90–£105 per day (depending on experience)Are you an experienced Teaching Assistant wit
Reference
JWTABS39A
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Bristol PrimaryAuthor
Bristol PrimarySalary
£130 - 150 per day
Location free text
Hartlepool
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
£20 - £29 per hour
Sector
Teacher
Location
Hartlepool
Description
Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Teachers Needed – HartlepoolAre you a passionate and dedicated Early Years educator ready to kick-start your teaching career in a nurturing and engaging school envi
Reference
MTEYFSPTTS24
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Tyne Tees PrimaryAuthor
Tyne Tees PrimarySalary
£120 - 160 per day
Location free text
Sheffield
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
£500 - £749 per week
£750 - £1,249 per week
Sector
Teacher
Location
Sheffield
Description
Supply EYFS & KS1 Teachers – Sheffield (S35 & S6) Are you a passionate EYFS or KS1 teacher looking for flexible and rewarding work? We’re a friendly, local supply agency dedicated to matching great te
Reference
AH120911
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Sheffield NorthAuthor
Sheffield NorthSalary
£90 - 110 per day
Location free text
Buckinghamshire
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
Less than £100 per day
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Buckinghamshire
Description
Level 3 Early Years Educator – Primary School (Buckinghamshire) Location: Buckinghamshire Position: Full-Time (Part-Time Considered) Start Date: ASAP or after half-term Salary: £85–£100 per day (de
Reference
Early Years Level 3
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Thames Valley PrimaryAuthor
Thames Valley PrimarySalary
£90 - 110 per day
Location free text
Buckinghamshire
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
Less than £100 per day
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Buckinghamshire
Description
Level 2 Early Years Educator – Primary School (Buckinghamshire) Location: Buckinghamshire Position: Full-Time (Part-Time Considered) Start Date: ASAP or after half-term Salary: £85–£100 per day (de
Reference
Early Years Level 2
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Thames Valley PrimaryAuthor
Thames Valley PrimaryRelated posts
.jpg)
Teaser
Tips & AdviceContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD09YY
Summary
Walking into a teaching interview can be nerve-wracking, even for experienced teachers. The secret? Preparation. Knowing what to expect, understanding the school, and thinking through your answer

Teaser
Tips & AdviceContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD09YY
Summary
Pay is always a big topic for teachers and school leaders, and with good reason. It affects career choices, retention, and how schools plan. With a 4% rise confirmed for the next academic term, 20

Teaser
Education NewsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD09YY
Summary
The start of a new academic year brings a mix of excitement and challenge. New timetables and faces are balanced with the realities of staffing, planning, and ensuring the school settles quickly i

Teaser
Tips & AdviceContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD07YY
Summary
Schools are under pressure. Behaviour issues are rising, pupil needs are more complex, and staff are stretched. In 2024, 18.4% of children in England were reported to have some form of special edu

Teaser
Tips & AdviceContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD07YY
Summary
Today’s classroom is a busy, complex, and emotionally charged environment. Educators need to teach, support, manage behaviour, and connect with learners who may be carrying far more than their sch

Teaser
Education NewsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD07YY
Summary
The future of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) support in the UK is undergoing significant focus and reform. It’s a complicated landscape as the government considers tightening th

Teaser
Tips & AdviceContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD07YY
Summary
In December 2024, the government announced new specialist places in mainstream schools to better support pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Yet, staff shortages limit s

Teaser
Tips & AdviceContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD06YY
Summary
Recent statistics highlight gaps in SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) training and support for educators. The government wants more SEND pupils in mainstream schools. At the same t

Teaser
Tips & AdviceContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD06YY
Summary
In 2024, the National Audit Office (NAO) highlighted the crisis in the SEND system, noting limited progress in making mainstream schools more inclusive. Without further investment and changes, t

Teaser
Tips & AdviceContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD06YY
Summary
How to navigate SEND funding for 2025-26 As government funding for special education needs and disabilities (SEND) evolves, schools face critical challenges securing essential resources. Sch
Register with us
for a choice of classroom roles
Register today
Recent job