Raising standards in primary writing with ECaW

Thursday 12/11/2009

The National Strategies Every Child a Writer (ECaW) programme has been extended to 58 more local authorities after a successful 12-month pilot. Feedback from the first year indicates that it has been very successful with standards in both reading and writing rising significantly in years 3 and 4. 

The ECaW materials are available on the National Strategies web area. Comprising support materials and e-learning, the package contains case studies of effective practice from the pilot including a video of leading teachers, full length tuition sessions and school and local authority-based resource materials. The materials can be accessed at: www.standards.dcsf.gov.uk/nationalstrategies/pr5/ecaw

End-of-year data showed that 42 per cent of pupils involved in the pilot made at least two sub-levels of progress in writing over the spring and summer terms. Of the pupils who had additional tuition, this rose to 54 per cent.

ECaW began in 135 schools in nine local authorities across all regions in September 2008. The aim was to get as many pupils as possible to level 3 in writing by the end of Year 4 and these pupils then making two levels of progress during Key Stage 2.

Pete Dudley, National Director Primary for the National Strategies said: “We are delighted with the success of the pilot and the extension of the programme this term. Support events for ECaW Leading Teachers, supported teachers and tutors are running throughout the autumn term to ensure continued success.”

Media Contact
Jane Parrack, Deputy Marketing and Communications Manager, The National Strategies 0118 918 2617 or jane.parrack@nationalstrategies.co.uk