The Primary Languages website is a national gateway to advice, information, support and training for primary languages teaching and learning. The site is owned and operated by CILT, the National Centre for Languages, the government’s recognised centre of expertise on languages.

Primary languages and the National Languages Strategy

The Primary Languages website forms a central element in the implementation of the National Languages Strategy for England, Languages for all: Languages for Life (DfES, 2002). The cornerstone of this strategy is the introduction by 2010 of an entitlement to language learning for every child in Key Stage 2.

The Primary Languages website supports the introduction and development of primary languages in Key Stage 2 by providing

• access to online training and professional development
• reliable and up-to-date information and advice on teaching and learning
• online networking and opportunities to interact with colleagues
• practical guidance for developing best practice
  

The current website unites CILT’s two previous websites for primary languages the Primary Languages Training Zone and the NACELL website (formerly at www.nacell.org.uk). Click for further information.

Who is this site for?

CILT, the National Centre for Languages, works closely with teachers, school leaders and trainers from Local Authorities across the country to develop the Primary Languages website.

We aim to address the needs of three key audiences: teachers, school leaders including those in Local Authorities, and trainers.

No matter whether you are new to primary language teaching, already very experienced, a language specialist or a generalist, a headteacher or a newly qualified teacher - there will be something on the Primary Languages website that is relevant for you.

Further information

The Primary Languages Training Zone is CILT’s online toolkit to develop primary languages teaching and learning. The features of Training Zone are fully integrated into the professional development areas of the current website.

NACELL stood for the ‘National Advisory Centre for Early Language Learning’. This was a project set up in 1999 to promote and develop the provision of languages in primary education. The project was funded by the DCSF and coordinated by CILT.

Work to support primary languages is now part of CILT’s ongoing primary programme. The acronym ‘NACELL’ is still used to refer to the CILT Library’s special collection of teaching materials for primary languages – Visit the Library.

The Primary Languages site is owned and operated by CILT, the National Centre for Languages, a company registered in England and Wales whose registered office is at 111 Westminster Bridge Road.

Company Registration No. 5375352