Curriculum
Welsh Foundation Phase extended to all children up to age six
The Foundation Phase, the early years framework for Wales, will be extended to all five- and six- year-olds from this month.
First minister Carwyn Jones yesterday welcomed the third phase of the play-based curriculum, which will begin at the start of the new school year.
The Foundation Phase is being rolled out over four years and will be statutory for children aged from three to seven years from September 2011.
The curriculum was extended to four- to five-year-olds last September and launched for three-and four-year-olds in September 2008.
Mr Jones said, ‘Since the introduction of the Foundation Phase, early years education in Wales has been transformed. It has brought consistency and continuity to children’s education at such as important period in their lives.
‘Through the Foundation Phase we are giving children the chance to learn by taking part in practical activities that are fun and enjoyable. They are also gaining first-hand experiences through play and active involvement, which enables them to be creative, imaginative and have fun while learning.
‘The enthusiasm and feedback we have received from teachers, support staff, practitioners, parents and carers and, more importantly, children, has been extremely positive and very encouraging.’
Education minister Leighton Andrew said, ‘The pay-off of this radical new way of learning will be long-term and its impact will be felt for many years to come.
‘Introducing the Foundation Phase was a big step forward for Wales but, as the past two years have shown us, it was a step in the right direction.’
