How much do small classes really matter at primary level? Class of 30 vs 17 - will it make a big difference?

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What if your child needs extra help with something and they're in a class of 30?

If there's a classroom assistant plus the teacher, does the assistant spend time equally with all children or do they focus on the ones who need a lot of extra help?

(we're looking at two schools, one has a class size of 30 and the other a class size of 17....)

Obviously we're thinking about other issues too but this is the difference that stands out a lot.

In theory smaller classes should always be better but it doesn't always work that way. My experience is that the friendship thing/group dynamics seems to impact a lot in some small classes, sometimes enough to outweigh the "less kids = more teacher's time" benefit.

Having spent reception/Y1 in a class of 12, my very dyslexic DS2 is now doing better than ever before in a class of 30. I was initially amazed that the class was that big in a private school (it starts at under 20 in kindy, but can hit a max of 30 in Y3-Y6) but I guess it just shows that there is a lot more to it than just class numbers.

I have to say I would be as put off by a school with very small classes (under maybe 15 children I think), as I would by very large ones. I think it would be claustrophobic.

Ignore research, as a teacher I would say that small classes make all the difference. I taught 17 recently and I could meet all the needs, I can't meet the needs of 30 or more. You only have to do the arithmetic, an hour lesson and 30 DCs means each DC has 2 minutes, if the teacher is talking for the first 20 minutes and then a difficult DC takes more than their 2 mins they may end up with no personal attention.

I used to teach and would go for small classes every time. In a class of 30 you virtually have to timetable time with each child and some get far more attention than others.
DS is in a class of 30 but there are 2 classes which I think is ideal. They get the individual attention during class time but have a larger group to socialise with - his best friend is in the other class.

I loved teaching the small class, I felt I really made a difference and we all had a lovely relationship. Marking was manageable.

I have heard that larger classes (20+) can be better for social dynamics. There is a better chance that your dc will find a social niche. And social development, is as important as academics, at primary level.

My dd is in a all-girls' school with 24 per class, 2 classes per year, which is mixed up each year. It is ethnically diverse, with a lot of children having 2 or even 3 languages at home. The girls seem to be getting along really well, with lots of all class parties and rapport amongst the girls and parents.

I taught a class last year of 31 and they were lovely. Really good dynamic. I felt like I had lots of time with each of them and my TA felt the same.

This year we have 19 and I feel like I'm going mad!!! They just do not gell together!

It's the luck of the draw! Every class, private or state can have issues you would never think of!

I think small class sizes are beneficial on the whole. I think 12-18 are about ideal IME of teaching. I didn;t enjoy teaching classes of 30 that much.

The trouble is you may only have 15 for example but if you have 1 with very very poor behaviour the whole class can really struggle. I'm not sure what the answer is!

IMO thought it is easier to deal with that one child in a small class than in a big class. If nothing else, more attention can be spent on that child whic generally can help matters.

They can have a good social mix with other classes at break times.

Only read op.

As a teacher i would say go for the small class size every time.