Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Baroness Perry of Southwark (Conservative). It was answered on Thursday, 26 February 2009.

Schools: Primary Curriculum

Question: My Lords, will the noble Baroness assure us that the concerns of teachers about Sir Jim’s interim report will be taken on board, not least those of the teachers of very young children who feel that the curriculum suggested in the interim report is far too rigid for three to four year-olds?... My Lords, I asked whether the noble Baroness could reassure us that the concerns of teachers about the interim report will be taken on board.

Answer: My Lords, I am not sure that I caught the first part of the noble Baroness’s question.... My Lords, i very much reassure the noble Baroness that continuity, as children move from early years foundation into key stages 1, 2 and then 3, is very much at the heart of what Sir Jim is looking at. The whole point of having the review is to take on board teachers' concerns about the need for flexibility and to have space in the curriculum to personalise it. That is extremely important for children coming in from early years, who may be at defferent stages of development and readiness for school.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 708 c307
Session: 2008-09
Oral question type: Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Lords chamber
Subjects: Curriculum Public consultation Primary education Primary Curriculum Review
Link: View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk