Local AM calls for more specialist teachers

10.50.59am UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 30th Jan 2007

Welsh Liberal Democrat AM for Brecon and Radnorshire, Kirsty Williams, is backing her party's calls for schools to work more closely together.

By supporting peripatetic teachers to teach specialist subjects in primary schools, and encouraging closer relationships between primary and secondary schools, the Welsh Liberal Democrats believe that educational resources can be used to pupils best advantage.

Ms Williams said: "Promoting a cluster approach, where a secondary school shares its expertise with the local primary schools, would help raise standards and give children the best possible start in life. Subjects such as languages, music and science are best taught by specialists, and by linking in with the local secondary school, primary school children's confidence and ability can be raised. It also eases the transition for pupils when they move up to secondary school.

"Along with improved co-working between schools, through federations, IT networking and time-table co-ordination, this proposal would help create the best learning environment for our children, and ensure precious resources are used to their best advantage."