SBC says it is not in a position to reduce class sizes

The authority said that without about �4m of extra funding it could not move towards Scottish Government targets of a maximum of 18 children in classes.

SBC's executive member for education, Catriona Bhatia, said school rolls in the region were actually rising.

However, SNP MSP Christine Grahame warned the authority not to "play politics" with childrens' education.

SBC says it is one of only three authorities in Scotland with rising primary school rolls.

We will continue to do our very best to improve education despite there being no additional funding from the government Cllr Catriona Bhatia

"The deal which was struck with Cosla asks councils to reduce class sizes in P1 to P3 to 18 on the basis that school rolls are falling," said Lib Dem Ms Bhatia.

"In the Scottish Borders, however, our primary school rolls are projected to rise by at least 15% over the next six years - from the current level of 8,602 in 2007 to 9,864 in 2013."

She said that as there was no extra money to employ new teachers or expand schools the council could not implement reductions in class sizes.

"We will continue to do our very best to improve education despite there being no additional funding from the government," she said.

'Top priority'

Her stance was criticised by Ms Grahame.

"The SNP government is committed to reducing class sizes as the evidence is clear that it improves the educational standards of children," she said.

"For eight years the Lib Dems and their Labour partners sat and watched as class sizes rose and did nothing.