Outstanding primary teacher Libby Pryce reveals top tips on how to give reception children the best start in reading and writing. John Bayley visits Pitt Street Infants School on the first day of term as the children learn rules and routines to prepare them for learning. Nine months later he returns to find highly independent learners and remarkable progress in literacy. Libby places a great emphasis on reading by immersing the class in all forms of the written word. The children use high level language to identify phonics inspired by the National Strategies Letters and Sounds programme. Differentiation is by task and staff support whilst encouraging every child to rise to a challenge without fear of failure. Remembering Libby's key rule for behaviour: We are always kind and help each other, the children peer assess each other's work, giving robust criticism and praise. And finally, Libby's alliance with parents has accelerated their learning.

Video Series: Bayley on Behaviour - Establishing the Ground Rules
Release Date 2010