Five-year-olds to study Shakespeare

School children as young as five will be introduced to the works of William Shakespeare, under a new government initiative for English schools.

Under the scheme, launched today by Jim Knight, the schools minister, schools will receive a booklet of tried and tested ideas for teaching the Bard's work to children aged five to 16. Primary schools will also be offered a free DVD of the animated tales of Shakespeare.

The government has also provided £1.5m to enable some secondary school pupils to see a live Shakespeare performance.

The teaching materials, called Shakespeare for All Ages and Stages, were put together by experts from the Globe theatre, the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority, in collaboration with teachers.

Knight said it is important that Shakespeare's work is a protected part of the curriculum.