Professor Robin Alexander of the University of Cambridge will lead a team of 60 research consultants based at Cambridge University's Faculty of Education but drawn from universities throughout the UK. There will also be an advisory committee of 20 members from inside and outside the education field, chaired by Dame Gillian Pugh, who was formerly director of the Early Childhood Unit at the National Children's Bureau and chief executive of the Coram Family.
The two-year review, launched last week, is politically and financially independent. It is funded by a 85,000 grant from the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation.
The last investigation into English primary education was the Plowden enquiry in 1967.
The review's director, Professor Robin Alexander, said, 'Forty years on from the last major inquiry into primary education and with two decades of Government initiatives behind us, it's time to take stock. How well are we doing? Where are we heading? What kind of education should young children receive? This is an independent review and it will ask the questions that need to be asked, without fear or favour.'
Professor Alexander urged all those involved in the education of young children to send in comments on current provision and ideas for the future.
The review will involve four kinds of evidence: submissions from all who wish to contribute; interviews with parents, children, teachers and leading national figures; systematic surveys both nationally and internationally; and published research.
Themes covered in surveys by the academic team include purposes and values; learning and teaching; curriculum and assessment; quality and standards; diversity and inclusion; settings and professionals; parenting, caring and educating; beyond the school; structures and phases; funding and governance.
The final report will make recommendations for future education policy and practice.
To join the debate visit www.primaryreview.org.uk.