ABSTRACT
This extract endorses the view of primary education reflected in much of the previous historical discussion. It extends the debate by the emphasis it places upon recognizing the importance of primary education as laying the foundation of all future learning. The Committee were also realistic that the expectations they set were likely to require time for teachers to implement. Such time was clearly unavailable to primary teachers with their limited non-contact time. In the light of this, the Committee recommended the appointment of 15,000 additional primary teachers, not to reduce class sizes, but to create opportunities for teachers to work with each other, with individuals and small groups of children. Considerable reference is made throughout the report to the importance of the Plowden Report in establishing the basis for thinking about the education of primary-aged children, but the report moves the discussion on to consider the economic and social context within which primary schools operate.
