The National context

Creativity and imagination are integral to the delivery of all five outcomes for children in Every Child Matters (Children Act 2004 UK):

• be healthy
• stay safe
• enjoy and achieve
• make a positive contribution
• achieve economic well-being.

The relationship between children’s emotional well-being and readiness for learning is clearly recognised and, in the context of Every Child Matters, schools should be employing creative approaches to the curriculum and extended provision to provide holistic and personalised support for all pupils.

In this way, the drive for creative approaches to teaching and learning lies firmly within the framework of school self evaluation:

• Identifying what we do well and doing more of it.
• Seeking new approaches where improvement is needed.

Ofsted reminds us that teaching will be outstanding only if the learner shows exceptional achievement.

The challenge to schools is to make sure that every young person is excited by learning and is supported to build the skills and confidence they need.