The Quality Mark provides a framework for schools to improve what they`re doing in terms of basic skills, that is, reading, writing, spelling and maths.

The Primary Quality Mark is awarded for three years (during this time regular monitoring visits take place from the LEA). After three years the Quality Mark is renewed only if the school can demonstrate that it has made progress in basic skills.

Primary Quality Mark Elements:

1. A whole school strategy including an action plan, to improve performance in basic skills

2. An assessment of pupil performance in basic skills in the school
A target for the improvement of the school`s performance in basic skills

3. Basic skills improvement plans for pupils underattaining in the school

4. Regular review of the progress made by each pupil underattaining in basic skills

5. A commitment to improving the skills of staff in the school to teach and extend basic skills

6. The use of a range of teaching styles to improve basic skills
The use of appropriate teaching and learning material to improve basic skills

7. The involvement of parents in developing their children`s basic skills

8. An effective procedure for monitoring the action plan and assessing improvement in performance in basic skills