This policy deals essentially with the management of class size policy in Foundation, Key Stage 1 (KS1) where classes are not to exceed thirty in number (accept in instances were approval has been sought from EA). In the absence of additional funding the school will be attempting to manage class size policy by using existing resources but at the same time ensuring that the required provision for Key Stage 2 (KS2) is not compromised.
The policy will also apply to KS 2 with the selection criteria applied to select pupils for composite and split year classes to be the same as Foundation and KS1. Maximum class size of thirty does not apply to KS 2 but every effort will be made to keep class sizes comparable to KS1.
Selection of pupils for:
- Two or more year group classes.
- For composite classes
It is important that during the process of selecting pupils for either of the above named classes that a balance of gender is achieved and an even distribution of pupils with a full or pending Educational Statement.
A: Selection criteria for split year classes:
- Pupils will be selected in alphabetical order.
- If having applied the former criteria and therefore created a preponderance of one gender in a particular class, then selection will be made by selecting every second pupil in the alphabetical order to fill one class and the remaining pupils making up the other year group class.
- If having applied both of the above criteria and a preponderance of one gender in a particular class still occurs then selection will be made by forming two separate alphabetically ordered lists i.e. a list of boys and a list of girls. Males and females will be selected alphabetically until the class quota is filled.
B: Selection criteria for composite classes:
1. Pupils will be selected for composite classes on the basis of chronological age
a) Combining the oldest of the junior year with the youngest of the senior year.
Or if there is a need to create a composite for a second consecutive year the following is to apply.
b) Combining the middle band of the junior year with the middle band of the senior year.
2. If after having applied the criteria a preponderance of one gender exists in one or more of the classes concerned then the necessary number of, or available males will be selected for classes on the basis of chronological age. Secondly the necessary number of, or available females will be selected for classes on the basis of chronological age until the quota for that class has been filled.
3. Pupils will not be selected for a class or change classes on the basis of friendship/relationship (except in the case of twins where both children will be taught together, unless otherwise requested by the parent / guardian or in the case where siblings of a different age may be placed together following the application of the criteria). Personal preference is not considered.
4. Class selection may also be influenced by Special Needs Considerations where a pupil with an Educational Statement or pending Statement who has or will have assistance hours assigned may be placed in a particular class to avoid a preponderance of pupils with Statements or adult assistants in one class. If there are two or more pupils with special needs, then they will be removed from the process and only assigned to a particular class when all others have been placed.
5. In exceptional circumstances a pupil’s placement in a particular class may be reconsidered if instances of observed and substantiated misbehaviour has occurred and consultation with external Educational Agencies has been sought and advises on such a move.
Every effort will be made to accommodate all pupils in their year group proper, however, in the event that a composite class must be formed, pupils will be selected as outlined above.
Once selection has been completed and classes have been formulated any additional new pupils who may transfer from another school will not undermine the integrity of the selection process that has been applied but will simply be added to a class appropriate to age that is deemed by the Principal to be most suitable for the child.
It is the aim of the Governors to ensure fair and equitable consideration for all pupils.
Reviewed
June 2022