Politics and the Primary Teacher

Peter Cunningham is Bye-Fellow of Homerton College, Cambridge and Visiting Fellow at the Institute of Education, University of London.

"A distinctive and much needed analysis of primary teaching as political activity, Dr Cunningham’s new book is scholarly and stunningly well written. It shows how such apparently technical tasks as assessment, curriculum development, and school relationships are intrinsically political, and so challenges the traditional insulation of primary schools from the larger social and economic pressures that shape their practices. Compelling reading that should transform our conceptions of contemporary primary professionalism."Jim Campbell, Emeritus Professor of Education, University of Warwick, UK"This excellent book provides a fascinating account of the evolution of primary education policy but also offers an enlightened vision for the future. A must read for anyone concerned for our children's wellbeing." Maurice Galton, Emeritus Professor, University of Leicester"This book enables readers to confront critically the year zero/ educational amnesia too characteristic of current and recent policy-making. It gives the reflecting student and the seasoned primary professional the necessary historical and political knowledge to analyse how primary education came to be as it is and to consider possible options that lie open in future." Colin Richards HMI (retired) Emeritus Professor, University of Cumbria, and Honorary Professor, University of Warwick

• Acknowledgements Abbreviations 1. Introduction: Exploring primary politics 2. The Primary School as a political institution 3. Curriculum: the politics of subject knowledge 4. Curriculum: the politics of citizenship, health and well-being 5. Pedagogy: a political issue? 6. Workforce and politics 7. National accountability: audit and inspection 8. Local accountability: school, community and local democracy 9. Going Forward Appendix: Politics and primary education – a recent history 1964-2011 Bibliography