Leaders - Planning

If the introduction of foreign languages into the life of every primary school is to become a reality, the process will need careful and systematic planning at every level. In the first place, the effectiveness of the curriculum will be judged by its impact on each of the five outcomes of Every Child Matters.

Secondly, as with other significant changes to the curriculum, strategic planning in school and in the local area is vital to ensure that high quality teaching of the foreign language can be sustained. Thirdly, school planning is important in order to develop the skills and confidence of staff and to make the language permeate the curriculum.

ECM agenda

Every Child Matters: Change for Children is a national project which involves all those who work with children, including teachers, social workers, youth workers, doctors, nurses and many others. 

The Children Act of 2004, on which Every Child Matters is based, has at its heart five aims: Be healthy, Stay safe, Enjoy and achieve, Make a positive contribution, Achieve economic well-being. These five outcomes are also the basis on which every school assesses its performance: the School Improvement Plan (SIP). The SIP naturally evaluates curriculum provision, including entitlement to learn a foreign language. The National Languages Strategy offers a golden opportunity to make ECM outcomes real for pupils.