An extra £16 million is to be pumped into Kirklees schools to help reduce class sizes.

Headteachers across the district have been sent letters detailing Kirklees Council's plans which will see 70 extra teachers employed to bring all infant school classes down to 30 pupils or less by September.

And work to provide 13 extra classrooms and extensions is scheduled.

The letter says: "We are confident these additional resources will support schools as they continue to respond positively to the Government's challenging agenda for raising attainment and reducing social exclusion."

Around £200 million of the Authority's education budget for the forthcoming financial year will be spent in schools.

It includes £4.7 million to cover staff pay rises, price increases in supplies and services, increased pupil numbers, special education needs developments and increased cleaning and catering costs.

The extra cash has been provided through several Government grants.

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