Leaders - Resourcing

The question of who teaches primary languages has a variety of answers. The Key Stage 2 Framework for Languages is designed to support primary class teachers in taking control of the programme of learning for their classes. There are different solutions to providing high quality learning for children. Here teachers and head teachers discuss a number of models of provision to suit different circumstances.

Primary language coordinator

Schools should consider nominating or appointing a coordinator for primary languages (PL). The role of this person is to work closely with the head teacher and senior management, to ensure their support for languages, and to encourage staff to take a positive view of language learning and its potential for supporting all areas of the curriculum.

Trainers and PL coordinators have a responsibility to work with non-specialist teachers in a positive and encouraging way, in order to assuage their anxieties and to show them that they can cope with the new subject as they do in areas where they are also non-specialists. Good quality training is likely to encourage other colleagues to want to participate.