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Supporting children’s learning in primary education today
This free course explores different aspects of learning and teaching in primary education. It gives opportunities to engage with different types of activities that are designed to develop an understanding of learning and teaching in primary education. It starts by considering the following questions:
- How might we understand primary schools today?
- How do primary schools support young learners?
- How can schools be inclusive and offer specialist provision?
- What are your own experiences of primary education, from your own work or from the work/volunteering in a primary setting?
This OpenLearn course is an adapted extract from the Open University course E103 Learning and teaching in the primary years.
Course learning outcomes
After studying this course, you should be able to:
- understand different aims of primary education today
- articulate different ways in which learners are supported in primary school
- demonstrate an understanding of inclusion and specialist provision
- reflect on and consider personal experiences of primary education in relation to current practice.
First Published: 12/05/2025
Updated: 12/05/2025
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This course reminded me that every child learns differently and that inclusive, child-centered teaching is not just beneficial — it is essential. I am now more inspired than ever to create supportive learning environments that celebrate diversity, encourage curiosity, and build strong foundational skills for life.
More importantly, I’ve learned that the greatest gift we can offer children is not just knowledge, but the confidence to believe in themselves and the resilience to face challenges. As an educator, I am not just a teacher — I am a guide, a listener, and a lifelong learner.
I leave this course empowered to make a meaningful difference — one child, one lesson, one small act of support at a time.