All children must have the opportunity to fulfil their potential says Welsh Liberal Democrat

6.01.46pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 24th Apr 2007

The Welsh Liberal Democrat Education spokesperson, Peter Black, has called for more action to be taken to ensure that all children in Wales have the opportunity to fulfil their potential.

The Welsh Liberal Democrats has pledged to guarantee primary school class sizes of fewer than 25, and to invest properly in school buildings if they are in Government on May 4th.

Mr. Black said: "Universal access to high quality education is the surest route to equality for all - nothing does more to level the playing field and give all our young people a fair start in life. It is unacceptable that some children in Wales are still being taught in crumbling classrooms unfit for purpose, or in unwieldy classes of 30 or more where their contact time with teachers must be minimal."

"The Welsh Liberal Democrats don't believe that where you live or how much money you have should dictate the quality of your education. That's why we said no to top-up fees in Wales, why we'd spend £46 million to improve the quality of children's learning environment, and why we reject selection in schools. For all children, but especially those whose first language is not English, being taught in smaller classes, in classrooms fit for purpose, will ensure they all have an equal chance to succeed."