Erdington Hall Primary School faces the challenges of economic deprivation and a culturally diverse, highly mobile community. So when young children start off in Nursery and Reception, planning for literacy is a priority heavily dependent on their support staff's skills and commitment. In the programme we highlight moments in the teaching assistants' routine that show the breadth of the work they undertake e.g. making observations; play-based learning; EAL and special needs support; group & whole class work; team planning. All the TAs complete NVQ training which has helped professionalise their role. They lead phonics-based activities, organise the outdoor as well as the indoor classroom and accompany the YR on a zoo trip. The way the FS team deliver the literacy curriculum allows for child-initiated activities, often very demanding of the staff. As the FS co-ordinator explains, We just couldn't do it without our support staff. This programme shows just how they succeed.

Video Series: Literacy - The Whole Story
Release Date 2006