On 9 December 2003, Schools Minister Stephen Twigg announced a new expansion of the EiC Primary Pilot which means that more than 1000 primary schools in EiC Phases 2, 3 and in particularly disadvantaged areas in non-EiC LEAs now receive extra money and support to help them raise standards in the classroom.

This builds on the success of the Excellence in Cities (EiC) Primary Pilot that has been running in 1000 EiC schools for the last two years. The schools involved in the pilot have improved their Key Stage 2 results, on average, at a faster rate than other schools.

The extension of this support means that all primary schools in the country that face severe disadvantage will now benefit - both those in EiC areas and those outside.

Schools will be targeted where, on average, more than 35% of pupils have been eligible for free school meals over the last three years. They will be able to raise the aspirations of their pupils and help them to realise their potential, for example by providing for extra opportunities for gifted and talented children and by employing learning mentors. Local EiC partnerships are responsible for agreeing which schools benefit.

The funding will also support the development and delivery of a specialist support package for early years practitioners so that they can begin to tackle the challenges faced by disadvantaged children as soon as they enter the foundation stage. A particular focus for the specialists will be to improve the speaking, listening and communication skills of these children working both in the classroom with pupils and practitioners; and by developing parental-involvement strategies to engage and enable parents as co-educators in the home.

Stephen Twigg said: "The National Primary Strategy is raising standards in primary schools by investing in teaching and learning. However, we recognise that some schools will need more support than others. We know that schools in disadvantaged communities face greater barriers to teaching, learning and engagement; but we also know from the Excellence in Cities Primary Pilot that these barriers can be successfully tackled and performance raised.

"The extension of opportunities for the gifted and talented and of behaviour support at primary level means a more level playing field for children everywhere and a better chance of success than ever before for those children who face the most severe disadvantage."

The investment, which totals £16m in 2004-05, and £37m in 2005-06 enables targeted schools to tackle barriers to learning and underpin delivery of the Primary National Strategy.

Background

The EiC Phase 1 Primary Pilot began in 2000. It provided enhanced opportunities for learning for gifted and talented pupils, learning mentors and Learning Support Units to support around 1/3rd of schools (around 1000 schools). EiC Partnerships were responsible for targeting the neediest schools & pupils. Similar support has also been provided through Excellence Clusters & Education Action Zones.

The existing level of support to EiC Phase 1 Primary Pilot authorities will be maintained and we will continue to work closely with EiC Phase 1 authorities as the expansion progresses so that schools are able to most effectively tackle barriers to learning and offer the best opportunities to those pupils facing the greatest challenges.