HC Deb 12 December 2001 vol 376 cc968-70

12.5 am

Bob Russell (Colchester)

The petition of Margaret Edgington of Colchester, schoolteachers and parents and others from many parts of the country deals with the introduction of the foundation stage of the national curriculum. The petitioners are concerned that some practitioners are being hindered in their attempts to implement the principles of the foundation stage. They feel that there is a lack of continuity of approach and of expectation from the new foundation stage to key stage 1; and that the expectation for children's achievements in years 1 and 2 are incompatible with the early learning goals set for children at the end of the foundation stage.

The petition states: The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urge the Secretary of State for Education and Skills to require all Primary Headteachers, Advisers and Consultants to receive specialist training on the Curriculum Guidance for the Foundation Stage; to release the Foundation Stage from any requirement to implement the Literacy and Numeracy Strategies; to promote the extension into Key Stage 1 of the learning and teaching approach advocated for the Foundation Stage, and to remove pressure on schools to achieve limited academic targets at the end of Key Stage 1. And the Petitioners remain, etc

To lie upon the Table.