Smaller class aim in school plan

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A working group created to look at the future of primary schools in Gwynedd says the council should aim to ensure all classes have fewer than 25 pupils.

The group, which consists of six people from each of Gwynedd's political parties, also wants to improve the use of Welsh as an educational language.

The proposals are the first stage towards a detailed plan to re-organise the schools system in the county.

Plans to close 27 schools there were abandoned in 2008 after protests.

Recommendations made by the group will be considered by councillors next week.

But it has not yet provided any details of what will happen to any schools in Gwynedd.

The group wants to use education money more effectively so no child is taught in classes of more than 25 pupils.

It has also recommended classes of 12 in mixed ability groups and the urgent consideration of unfilled places in schools.

The group said that Gwynedd was among the top 25% highest spenders on education in Wales and its report noted that money was spent on maintaining buildings in a poor condition.

School closures

Any changes will be based on catchment areas and will vary according to those areas, said the group.

Parents and teachers should also have their say at every stage.

The group's chairman, Councillor Dyfrig Siencyn said: "Our vision is an education system that provides the highest possible quality of education for our children so that they can develop to be bilingual, successful and rounded citizens."

Gwynedd council had originally proposed the school closures to save money and because of falling pupil numbers.

But widespread protests about the proposals led to the formation of a new political party.

Llais Gwynedd (Gwynedd Voice) won 12 seats at the local elections last May and is represented on the working group.

The working group's report will be presented to Gwynedd council's Children and Young People's Scrutiny Committee on 5 February.