MORE than a third of primary school teachers do not feel confident teaching the computing curriculum, which starts in September.

An online survey conducted by Ocado Technology, which included 50 teachers in Brighton and Hove, found 34% were not up to speed with changes to their teaching in the new academic year.

As of September, the national curriculum introduces a new subject, computing, which replaces ICT.

When primary teachers were asked about the change, many admitted trepidation.

Seventeen of the 50 either agreed or strongly agreed with the statement: “I don’t feel confident enough to teach computer science/coding to my pupils.”

A Brighton and Hove City Council spokesman said it was the responsibility of each school to make decisions on training needs and to approach them if they need advice or guidance.

According to Computing in the National Curriculum, a guide for primary schools produced by Computing at School, the new curriculum represents “continuity and change, challenge and opportunity”.

Computing at School is a group that promotes the teaching of computer science.

Membership includes teachers, parents, governors, exam boards and universities.

Simon Peyton-Jones, chairman, said computers were now a part of everyday life.

He said: “For most of us, technology is essential to our lives, at home and at work.

“The new national curriculum for computing has been developed to equip young people in England with the foundational skills, knowledge and understanding of computing they will need for the rest of their lives.

“Through the new programme of study for computing, they will learn how computers and computer systems work, they will design and build programs, develop their ideas and create content.”