Warwickshire is making good progress towards Government targets for reducing class sizes.

Last year, around two-thirds of Warwickshire’s infant classes had more than 30 children. This year (1998-99) it’s down to one-third.

A new law introduced in July means classes for five, six and seven-year-olds will be limited to a maximum of 30 from September 2001. In the meantime, the Government is giving out grants to help local authorities prepare to comply with the new rule.

"We are making good progress and expect to reach target a year ahead of schedule, with classes of no more than 30 by September 2000," said Education Officer Tony Brown, who’s handling the project.

The situation is helped by falling numbers of infant pupils over the past two years – a local and national trend expected to continue for the next few years. Around 50 Warwickshire schools may have to reduce their annual intake (a maximum figure known as the school’s ‘Standard Number’). Others may need more staff or extra space to keep classes down to 30.

A leaflet, giving more details, will be sent out to parents of children at infant schools this week.