Foundation Phase

The Foundation Phase is a statutory curriculum for all 3-7 year olds in Wales introduced in 2008. Children are given the opportunity to explore the world around them and taking part in practical activities to understand how things work. Children will have a more hands on educational experience (Welsh Government, 2014.)

The foundation Phase is modelled after the early years teaching practice in Finland, which is said to have the highest literacy rate in the world (Shipton, M, 2014.)

Children learn through first-hand experiential activities with a an emphasis on ‘play’ being the provider. Through play children play with ideas, experiment, take risks, solve problems and make decisions individually, in small and large groups.

The development of children’s self-image and feelings of self-worth and self-esteem are central to this phase.

“ A Child’s explorations are the engine of the expanding mind. It matters little what he learns, provided he understands it and knows how to use it.” – Rousseau, Emile. 1762

Practitioners should offer choices, challenge children with care and sensitivity, encourage them and help move their learning along. Through careful observation and interaction with the children, teachers should focus on their achievements and development along a learning continuum. Future planning is based on their prior accomplishments and current achievements (Government, 2009, p.2.)

Foundation Phase has 7 areas of learning:

• Personal and Social Development, Well-being and Cultural Diversity
• Language, Literacy and Communication Skills
• Mathematical Development
• Welsh Language Development
• Knowledge and Understanding of the World
• Physical Development
• Creative Development

There are 3 major factors within schools that affect their achievement, these are:

• Social class
• Race
• Gender

Therefore it is important for children to be educated to promote equality. In the classroom children are encouraged to learn about the differences and similarities during discussions, reading sessions and active learning (Warren, S, 2009, p.50-57.)

Teachers seem to think that the transition from the Foundation Phase to Key Stage 2 is relatively easy to adjust to. Due to the last year in the Foundation Phase preparing pupils for the transition  

Foundation Phase 2014. 

Reference:

Government, W. A. (2009). Foundation Phase Child Development Profile Guidance. Cardiff, Crown
Warren, S. (2009). An Introduction to Education Studies; The Student Guide to Themes and Contexts. London, Continuum International Publishing Ltd. 

Hudson Park Primary . (2014). Foundation Phase 2014 . Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18d_w2v6juQ. Last accessed 11/12/14.
Shipton, M. (2014). Concern over literacy but praise for the Welsh Government’s early learning Foundation Phase in new report.Available: http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/concern-over-literacy-praise-welsh-7074714. Last accessed 11/12/14.
Welsh Government. (2014). Foundation Phase . Available: http://wales.gov.uk/topics/educationandskills/earlyyearshome/foundation-phase/?lang=en. Last accessed 11/12/14.