If the latest primary school reforms work, hordes of cheerful children will be back in the playground, running about, laughing and doing their own creative thing. And their teachers will be freed from overwhelming demands to plan, plan, plan. The new primary framework (page 8) promises more than a return to the times tables and basic reading skills in the early years - it should also take the drudge out of lesson planning and record keeping.
This is not about cutting and simplifying the curriculum. If anything, little Donna and Guy will face tougher challenges after playtime. But teachers will have more time to meet individual needs and will also enjoy expert support from outside agencies in areas such as IT.
Will it bring greater freedom? Don’t hold your breath. Previous initiatives such as the literacy hour promised much but often became millstones. The new framework needs time to prove itself. Before the next bright idea...
