Information for schools

Primary schooling is important. It is at primary school that children learn the basic skills which enable them to access the learning offered later in the system. Primary schools can open children’s minds to a whole range of learning experiences which will bring them achievement and pleasure throughout their lives – literature, music, art, foreign languages and dance, for example. They play a huge part in determining children’s attitudes to learning and to social relationships, enabling them to become active and effective citizens. The national primary strategy, Excellence and Enjoyment, is welcome in its recognition of the importance of a broad curriculum in primary education and in seeking to broaden the remit of schools through the Extended Schools Programme.

This local strategy is unashamedly about improving performance in primary schools. The council's vision is for schools which offer a broad curriculum and a range of opportunities to children and their families before and after normal school hours. Such schools foster creativity across all areas of learning and promote healthy lifestyles and active citizenship. An improvement in standards at Key Stages 1 and 2 is essential and Medway Council welcomes developments in other ares only as long as head teachers, governors and children retain their focus on standards and a determination to improve them.

This strategy (pdf 84KB) aims to bring all available resources to bear on preparing children for primary education in early years settings and on improving performance in primary schools. To use this file you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you do not have this on your computer please use our advice page.

The council has already consulted head teachers on its principles and this document fills in the detail and is more precise about what the council will do.

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