Overcrowding a serious problem in westmeath classrooms into

Primary schools in Westmeath are among the most overcrowded in the country, according to a teachers union.

Newly released statistics from the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO) have revealed that nearly 90 percent of primary pupils in Westmeath - 9,700 children - are in classes greater than the EU average of 20.

The figures also revealed that over a fifth of Westmeath primary school children (2,300) are in“supersized” classes of 30 or more children, while 67.8% are in classes of 20 to 29 pupils. Ten percent of pupils are in classes with less than 20 children.

INTO general secretary Sheila Nunan said the figures showed the reality on the ground in Irish primary schools and that large classes are a result of increasing school numbers and government failure to tackle overcrowded classes. She called for an immediate reduction in class sizes estimating the cost of the measure at €15m a year.

Ms Nunan said Irish class sizes were now the highest in the Eurozone and she called on the minister to progressively reduce class sizes in Irish primary schools over the next number of years.

The INTO chief added that the learning potential of primary school pupils was being compromised by larger classes. Ms Nunan said in overcrowded classes there is little if any time for individual attention and one-to-one support.

“Even critics of demands for smaller classes concede there are big benefits in the early years. Smaller classes give more children a chance of fulfilling their potential,” said Ms Nunan, “and are less expensive and more effective than trying to remedy things at a later date.”