New classes to cope with baby boom

An increase in children starting school in Jersey in September has seen two schools opening extra classes.

Rouge Bouillon and Samares are opening extra reception classes to cope with the demand for places.

Education, Sport and Culture Minister Deputy Patrick Ryan said: "The extra demand has been caused by a demographic bulge.

"We knew the numbers were increasing because the birth rate rose significantly in 2007. However, until parents actually apply for places it is difficult to predict the numbers at each individual school."

The department has received applications for 807 children for this September - approximately 40 more than expected. They expect about 20 other applications for children who will arrive in the island during the school year.

Both Rouge Bouillon and Samares were designed for larger numbers than they currently take so can accommodate the additional pupils.

With the two additional classes, the average size of a reception class in Jersey will be 26, compared with 27 in England.
(from CTV)