Editor's view

Two reports highlighting the abrupt transition that children undergo when moving from reception class to Key Stage 1, from play-based learning to a more formal approach, will be welcomed by early years practitioners (see news, page 6). They have long complained about the tensions between the Foundation Stage and the National Curriculum. It is ironic, then, that the reports have been produced by Ofsted and the Department for Education and Skills, the very bodies seen by many as responsible for these tensions. Government requirements such as the literacy hour for reception classes have caused resentment and confusion, and inspections carried...