Policy change to let schools cram in pupils

Shrinking space proposal on table

Pupils could be packed tighter into classrooms in Perth and Kinross if politicians choose to follow Scottish Government guidelines designed to “maximise capacities” this week.

Councillors will be asked tomorrow to agree to shrink the space some primary school pupils are afforded in classes at certain schools at the moment so that teachers can cram more students in to cope with rising demand.

A report to be presented to the local authority’s lifelong learning committee recommends it approve the move saying it will provide “greater flexibility and maximise use of classroom space” at primaries where teachers are running out of room.

It justifies reducing the space each pupil has to 1.7 square metres by saying the council’s current policy of allowing each child two square metres has led to some children not being able to attend their catchment school because certain classrooms are too small.

A table within the report shows teachers will be able to add an extra three to five pupils to some classes under the new guidelines although caps on certain class sizes set by the Scottish Government will still be in place.

“In order to ensure that pupils are able to attend their catchment schools, education and children’s services must manage the accommodation available in schools and available teaching staff resources to avoid, wherever possible, having to refuse pupils entry to their catchment school,” the paper explains.

“Education and children’s services uses a number of mechanisms to manage this, within budget on an annual basis, such as reconfiguring classes, allocating additional teaching staff, the use of reserved places in schools and managing the capacity of schools. All of these measures may be used to avoid pupils being refused admission to their catchment school.

“This is particularly important as parents have a statutory right of appeal where their request for their child to attend the school of their choice is refused. Ensuring that the maximum number of pupils can attend their catchment school is a positive strategy in compliance with the council’s duties.”

The paper continues: “This report seeks approval for the executive director (education and children’s services) to maximise capacities by applying Scottish Government guidance, if required, to accommodate children living in the catchment area.

“The proposal is to apply the Scottish Government space capacity metric measurement of 1.7 square metres per pupil to classroom areas, within schools where there are challenges identified in accommodating catchment pupils.

“This will provide greater flexibility and maximise use of classroom space.”