Local Liberal Democrats have criticised the Government’s plans for new child trust funds and have said that in boroughs like Haringey, the millions due to be spent on the scheme would be far better usedin cutting class sizes to 20 for five to seven year olds. They have welcomed an initiative by their party nationally that would do just that.

Gail Engert, Lib Dem Education spokesperson, has said that with many class sizes of around 30 pupils, reducing Haringey’s typically large class sizes should be the Labour Government’s priority.

Furthermore, Ms Engert says that smaller class sizes would particularly benefit Haringey, where cultural diversity means there are often many languages spoken in the classroom. She says the Labour government is letting Haringey down by not prioritising the reduction in class sizes.

Gail Engert comments:

“It would be far better to invest this substantial amount of money in the classroom rather than establish these trust funds, as investment is needed now.”

Lynne Featherstone Lib Dem Parliamentary spokesperson for Hornsey and Wood Green, adds:

“These funds are an empty gesture from the Government. In places like Haringey we cannot afford to delay investment in education. Only the Lib Dems nationally are making class sizes a priority, and this is good news as it would particularly benefit places like Haringey.”