Not only can we not stomach another primary review - there is no justification for it (“We can’t stomach yet another primary review, heads warn”, June 11). There have already been two extensive consultations. The profession has never been consulted so widely since the Bullock report of 1975. All those concerned with children’s education - parents, families, teachers, heads and learners themselves - have contributed views.
Education Secretary Michael Gove should be taking note of what the profession has already identified as important for the primary curriculum rather than what he seems set on: establishing what is taught in schools on the basis of conversations with some favoured academics such as Niall Ferguson and celebrities like Carol Vorderman, at the expense of what those who have spent their lives working in the best interests of children want.
Let us hope he genuinely intends to listen to and act on what Robin Alexander has to say. It will show total disregard for the profession if he wipes the slate clean and consigns to the bin not only the work of the Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency and the Rose review, but also the findings of the Cambridge review. Crucially, none of the findings from these reviews recommends a narrowly subject-based curriculum for primaries.
This new administration prides itself on people having a voice. They have already spoken, but will Mr Gove listen? We sincerely hope so.
Marilyn Mottram, Vice-president, UKLA.
Professor Teresa Cremin, Past president, UKLA
David Reedy, President, UKLA
Dr Eve Bearne.