HEADTEACHERS have welcomed proposals which could see under-11s in Bolton learning foreign languages.

Education Secretary Charles Clarke is expected to introduce a strategy encouraging primary schools to teach foreign languages in a bid to turn around Britain's traditionally poor reputation for producing linguists.

The plans, which could see primary schools forming partnerships to share lessons, have received a warm welcome in Bolton where only a handful of schools teach foreign languages to such young children.

The deputy head of Bolton's only specialist languages secondary school, Little Lever School, would love to welcome 11-year-olds who already have experience of foreign languages.

Dave Hutchinson said: "Any experience of foreign languages in primary school is a bonus.

"The children tend to be enthusiastic at that age because they're not shy and if the lessons are oral based, they have a lot of fun."

He added: "We receive pupils who have had a good grounding in Maths, Science and English, so why not foreign languages?

"But we wouldn't want language classes to be too heavy at primary school, the emphasis needs to be on fun."

Headteacher of The Oaks Primary School, Bob Livesey introduced French for his pupils ten years ago. He said: "I am always pleased when primary schools teaching languages are in the news. I have fought hard to maintain languages here and the children love learning French."

Naomi Richardson, the headteacher of Eatock Primary School, in Daisy Hill, also welcomed the proposals to encourage under-11s to speak a foreign language. She introduced Spanish classes for her pupils earlier this term.

She said: "The kids have a brilliant time. We watch videos, try Spanish food and made Christmas cards in Spanish.

"If schools have the resources then teaching a foreign language can only be beneficial."

The headteacher of St James Primary School, in Westhoughton, John Gregory, said: "Teaching languages to 11-year-olds is far too late.

"We should be given the space in the curriculum to develop languages and children from reception class upwards should be exposed to foreign languages to get them well prepared for secondary school."