The statistical report also showed that as of September 2000 there are now only 30,000 five-to seven-year-olds in classes of more than 30 in England. Also, the number of children in classes of 31 or more has fallen by 450,000 since January 1998.
School standards minister Estelle Morris said the Government's investment in reducing class sizes, combined with an increase of 14,600 teaching assistants was 'providing vital back-up support'. She added, 'The introduction of assistants is providing a boost by enabling children to get one-to-one attention. Nearly half - 45 per cent - of all infant classes have at least one extra adult to support the teacher.'
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