Jump to main content
Search
shortlist register contact us menu
 infant class sizes

Welsh government launches fund to reduce infant class sizes

Date posted : 26 January 2017

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."

List #1

Related posts

National Teaching Assistants' Day 2026: Meet Our Winners

Teaser

Educators

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD09YY

Summary

As we celebrate National Teaching Assistants' Day 2026, we're delighted to recognise the incredible individuals who have been selected as our Teaching Assistant of the Year winners.This year,

Teaser

Following a record-breaking response to our NTAD awards, we're proud to reveal our Teaching Assistant of the Year 2026 winners and celebrate the incredible difference they make every day.

Read more
Welcome Back: Starting the New School Year with Confidence

Teaser

Educators

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD09YY

Summary

After a well-earned summer break, schools across the UK are opening their doors once again for a new academic year. Whether you're returning to a familiar classroom or starting a new role, Septemb

Teaser

Read more
What do the September 2026 supply staff changes mean for teachers and support staff?

Teaser

Educators

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD08YY

Summary

As schools and trusts prepare for changes to the way temporary staff are sourced from September 2026, many will look to work more closely with framework-approved recruitment partners. Understandin

Teaser

Read more
Adam Davies

by

Adam Davies

Adam Davies

by

Adam Davies

Five things educators can do now to get ready for September

Teaser

Educators

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD07YY

Summary

Summer has only just started, and September might seem a long way off, but it will be here sooner than you think. Schools and trusts are already planning for September, with new opportunities open

Teaser

Read more
Adam Davies

by

Adam Davies

Adam Davies

by

Adam Davies

What the DfE Framework Means for Schools

Teaser

Education News

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD06YY

Summary

As schools and trusts prepare for September 2026, the shift from CCS (Crown Commercial Service) to the new GCA (Government Commercial Agency) framework marks a significant change in how supply sta

Teaser

Read more
Why summer is the perfect time to work in early years and nursery settings

Teaser

Educators

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD06YY

Summary

When schools wind down for the holidays, nurseries keep open. Many early-years settings remain open throughout the summer. Nurseries rely on skilled, caring staff to help children and

Teaser

Read more
Adam Davies

by

Adam Davies

Adam Davies

by

Adam Davies

Exam season: A guide for teaching assistants and support staff

Teaser

Educators

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD05YY

Summary

Exams are one of the most stressful times in the academic year, and it isn’t only pupils who feel the pressure. For teaching assistants (TAs) and support staff, exam season brings new expectations

Teaser

Read more
Adam Davies

by

Adam Davies

Adam Davies

by

Adam Davies

Looking for a permanent teaching role?

Teaser

Educators

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD05YY

Summary

If you’re considering taking the next step in education, you’re not alone. More teachers and support staff are exploring permanent roles that offer stability, progression, and a sense of belonging

Teaser

Read more
Adam Davies

by

Adam Davies

Adam Davies

by

Adam Davies

TP 30 Years - Danielle

Teaser

People & Culture

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD05YY

Summary

As Teaching Personnel marks 30 years, Danielle shares her experience of building a career with the company over the past 11 years. She's completed an apprenticeship, managed a branch and w

Teaser

Read more
TP 30 Years - Patrick

Teaser

People & Culture

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD04YY

Summary

Patrick highlights a decade of his work as Teaching Personnel celebrates a milestone of 10 years.He's built relationships with schools and his own management style to successfully run a branch

Teaser

Read more
company logo
Search