SCHOOLS in Wales with large infant class sizes are to benefit from 80 new teachers to be recruited thanks to a £36 million investment by the Welsh Government.

The new teachers will be appointed to schools which currently have two infant classes with 29 or more pupils, allow them to split into three, smaller classes.

The funding will be shared between all Wales' local authorities, with bids to be approved shortly.

Announcing the fund, education secretary Kirsty Williams said: “Time and again, teachers and parents tell me that class sizes are a concern."

She added: “International research and evidence tells us there is a positive connection between smaller class sizes and attainment, particularly for our youngest pupils from poorer backgrounds."

Funding will be allocated according to the number of children eligible for free school meals, educational outcomes and other categories.