Understanding Primary Education will help trainees and newly qualified teachers reflect on the professional decisions they need to make within their planning and classroom practice. The authors analyse key issues and policies within contemporary education through reference to research and pedagogical practice. They encourage readers to reflect on policy and practice and support them in articulating their own beliefs and values. A broad perspective of the curriculum is outlined with a focus on what curriculum breadth and balance looks like in practice. Readers are encouraged to consider questions such as: What are the purposes of education? What values are important in a pluralist society and what values might we share? In what ways can children be encouraged to be active participants within their communities?

This accessible and practical teaching resource provides a basis for interpreting and accessing the national curriculum framework to include all pupils. Suggesting an inclusive framework of participation and achievement for all, the book provides

*a range of possible activities designed to be accessible to pupils with diverse individual needs

*reference to the P levels

*help with planning and monitoring the curriculum

*assessment and recording opportunities

*advice on teaching citizenship in a cross-curricular way

*suggestions to develop a whole-school and community approach.

The book is aimed at staff in mainstream and special settings who work with students with special educational needs in the area of citizenship. This includes all class teachers, citizenship coordinators and adult learning disability services staff.