ABSTRACT
Both the literacy strategy and the numeracy strategy acknowledge that a small minority of pupils may need to start at a level below their Key Stage and that for literacy this may be below Reception Level. It would seem realistic to use the key objectives at Reception Level in both subjects as the starting point for planning for pupils with PMLD. These have therefore been included alongside the appropriate NC objectives on the Curriculum document pages in Part 2 of this book. Although nothing specific is said about pupils for whom the Reception Level or below may be appropriate throughout their school life, it is acknowledged in the National Numeracy Strategy (p. 24) that 'extra "small steps" may need to be inserted and contexts for practical work and problem-solving adapted for the pupils' ages'. Perhaps the greatest benefit for pupils with PMLD is the opportunity offered to teachers to reassess what should be taught and to allow for systematic planning over a school year.
