PROFESSOR Graham Donaldson's review of what and how children are taught inWales has resulted in a radical proposed re-shaping of the curriculum.

It has taken the Professor, a former chief inspector of schools, almost a year to complete his review after he was commissioned by education minister Huw Lewis.

This has not been a rushed exercise.

And there are no doubt elements of the recommendations in the Successful Futures report which will excite the teaching profession, parents and business leaders.

For example, the proposal to include computer programming and IT in all classes which is, in our view, essential and is something which should be done sooner rather than later.

But, as with all such wide-ranging reviews, there are also bound to be concerns not least that schools will once again be expected to oversee radical changes not only to what they teach but the way they teach.

Likewise giving schools increased flexibility is fine but that also brings with it the need for effective scrutiny to avoid the creation of a patchwork effect.

Any changes also need to ensure that children in Wales are receiving an education with standards to compare with the best.

The Welsh government says there will be a debate on the curriculum shortly.

What we would hope is that the debate doesn't last so long that the original impetus for change and improvement gets lost.