Effective learning and teaching in literacy and English:

Throughout their education, children and young people should experience an environment which is rich in language and which sets high expectations for literacy and the use of language. Children and young people need to spend time with stories, literature and other texts which will enrich their learning, develop their language skills and enable them to find enjoyment. Spoken language has particular importance in the early years. Teachers will balance play-based learning with more systematic development and learning of skills and techniques for reading, including phonics.

Throughout education, effective learning and teaching in literacy and English will involve a skilful mix of appropriate approaches including:

• the use of relevant, real-life and enjoyable contexts which build upon children and young people’s own experiences

• effective direct and interactive teaching

• a balance of spontaneous play and planned activities

• harnessing the motivational benefits of following children and young people’s interests through responsive planning

• collaborative working and independent thinking and learning

• making meaningful links for learners across different curriculum areas

• building on the principles of Assessment is for Learning

• frequent opportunities to communicate in a wide range of contexts, for relevant purposes and for real audiences within and beyond places of learning

• the development of problem-solving skills and approaches

• the appropriate and effective use of ICT.

The balance between these approaches will vary at different stages and across different sectors and areas of the curriculum.