THE introduction of new primary school class-size limits by the Scottish Government has been blamed for a rise in the number of parents being refused the school of their choice.
Edinburgh City Council said the new limit of 25 in Primary One had contributed to a sharp decline in the number of successful placing requests.
New figures show just 63% of families were successful in having a placing request granted this year in Edinburgh, compared to 89% in 2010.
The council also blamed a rising pupil population, school closures and mergers, and decisions by some parents to use state schools rather than pay for private education.
The council added: “This pressure has increased following the Government’s introduction of the primary one class size limit of 25.”
As a result, the council is urging parents to appreciate the value of going to their local school rather than seeking to transfer to one in a different catchment area.
Marilyne MacLaren, the council’s education convener, said: “We know the opportunities to grant placing requests in coming years will reduce even further so parents need to consider their choices carefully, particularly those who expect to have younger brothers and sisters in need of places in years to come.
“Unfortunately, we are finding that many parents don’t always see what is on offer at their local school, instead opting to apply for a school in a different catchment area.
“As this year’s application process begins, we’re calling for parents to go to their local school, talk to the headteacher, to staff and to other parents to see what’s on offer.”
Eileen Prior, executive director Scottish Parent Teacher Council, said the importance of smaller class sizes had been over-stated in the past.
“It is right not to become fixated on class sizes and we think the difference between a class of 25 or one of 28 is not very significant, particularly where it restricts access,” she said.
“The differences are not between schools, they are within schools. Children who get more support will do well anyway and those with difficult backgrounds are more likely to struggle.
“It can be a bit of as red herring to think that by changing school your child is going to do significantly better. We over-rate the differences between schools.”
However, Michael Russell, the Education Secretary, said both smaller class sizes and parental choice were possible.
“This Government supports parental choice and, in particular, their right to make placing requests. Ministers also believe that smaller class sizes are especially beneficial in the early years and that the new primary one limits will help to increase attainment,” he said.
The Scottish Government unveiled new regulations to introduce a legal limit of 25 for primary one classes across Scotland last year.
The move was introduced to close a legal loophole that had undermined the SNP’s flagship policy.
The Government promised to reduce class sizes in the first three years of primary to just 18, but progress has been limited, partly because the previous legal maximum was 30.
That meant local authorities were unable to reduce class sizes in popular schools where parents used placing request legislation to ensure entry for their children.
Mr Russell said the move would put local councils “on a more sound footing” when dealing with placing requests from parents.
However, opposition MSPs said the regulations fell far short of the SNP’s original election pledge to cut class sizes to 18 in the first three years of primary school.
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