The contract with National Strategies, which oversees the numeracy and literacy strategies will end in 2011, and funding will be transferred to schools who will be expected to use it with school improvement plans to invest in improving literacy and numeracy.
Schools should continue the best practice established over the last 12 years, 'for instance the daily literacy hour and mathematics lesson in primary schools - and ensure professional development for their staff to continue to improve. The accountability system will continue to focus sharply on literacy and numeracy.'
'Early years achievement' would remain a priority in moving to a new model of school improvement with alignment between the approach in schools and early years settings.
There will be a focus on 'excellent practice in learning through play, and on driving the expansion and flexibility of provision.'
The paper re-states that the Early Years Foundation Stage will be reviewed in 2010.
The new primary curriculum, which the Government is consulting on for implementation in 2011, will build on the EYFS, it said.
Licence to teach
Teachers will need licences to teach which will be up for renewal every five years.
All qualified teachers and head teachers will have to show high standards of teaching and practice or face losing their licence.
The plans will start with newly qualified teachers from September 2010 and teachers that have been out of the profession for some time.
Pupil and Parent Guarantees
There will also be guarantees for pupils and parents on what to expect from schools.
The new Parent Guarantee will give parents access to information on extended services, with schools expected to provide links to support and advice about parenting, access to childcare, activities, and opportunities to develop their own learning. There will be one-to-one lessons for children falling behind in English and maths with a 'progress check' in Year 7.
School Report Card
A new School Report Card will give schools a single overall grade for their performance and will go beyond league tables. It will be piloted from September and will be used alongside Ofsted reports to make schools accountable.
The card will give parents clear, online information on how the school is improving standards, how well it is helping pupils who fall behind to catch up and how it is stretching the most able. It will also provide information on discipline, attendance, healthy eating, sport and the views of parents and pupils.
Your Child, Your Schools, Our Future: Building a 21st Century Schools System is at www.dcsf.gov.uk
