In May 2003 the then Secretary of State for Education and Skills, Charles Clarke, launched the new strategy for primary education - Excellence and Enjoyment: A strategy for primary schools. The document sets out the Government's vision for primary schools where excellence in teaching is combined with enjoyment of learning to combine the achievement of high standards with a broad and rich curriculum. The Primary Strategy has built on the success of the National Literacy Strategy and the National Numeracy Strategy.

There are many study support projects that aim to boost children's literacy and numeracy levels by providing innovative ways of motivating them to learn, and by giving extra support to those who need it. Literacy and numeracy are also often taught through other contexts, and this is encouraged further by the Primary Strategy. The Primary Strategy supports teachers, trainee teachers and others working to improve literacy and numeracy in primary schools. Ambitious targets have been set for raising standards in these key skills. Study support can help towards meeting these targets. The Primary Strategy area within the Standards Site provides guidance and activities for teachers to help improve literacy and numeracy, and the broader curriculum.

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