AN ambitious plan to cut all class sizes in Blackburn and Darwen to below 30 has been drawn up by education bosses.

The Blackburn with Darwen Council move follows a new law which means all classes with children aged five to six have to be under 30 by the start of September, 2001.

Blackburn with Darwen's strategy takes a three pronged attack to deal with the problem.

Town hall chiefs are planning to bid for extra cash from the Department of Education and Employment to pay for extra teachers.

There are also plans to build more classrooms at some schools and bring in extra support staff in the worst hit areas.

Classes with more than one teacher will be exempt under the new law along with some special needs schools.

The move is to be discussed at the council's education and training committee tonight. Education and training chairman Bill Taylor said: "I am sure this strategy will be received by everyone.

"The early years of a child's education provide the firm foundation for learning throughout life.

"Smaller class sizes will help in our drive to raise standards in our schools and to support our children through the learning process."

He added: "The council has already secured funding from central Government for nine teachers to reduce class sizes at some of the borough's schools.

"Funds have also been secured to build extra classrooms at three schools.

"Further bids for funds are likely to be made in the future which , if successful, will further help us to implement the class reduction strategy."

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