Play given more weight in Rose Review for primary schooling
Play should be a crucial part of learning for children in primary school, a report into primary education has concluded.
The interim report of the independent review by Sir Jim Rose proposes bringing in a new primary school curriculum based on six areas of learning to tie in with the Early Years Foundation Stage and enable a smoother transition for children between early years and primary school.
The final report, due in 2009, will also make recommendations about where the two early learning goals on literacy should fall between the EYFS and Key Stage 1.
The report said, 'Evidence suggests that children would benefit if the Key Stage 1 curriculum, particularly in Year One, provided more opportunities for exploratory play. At the same time, some children starting primary education will be ready for more formal learning.'
It added that the review did not propose 'a rigidly uniform approach' but said that teachers should use their professional judgement to strike a balance for children's learning based on their knowledge of the children and the information they receive from EYFS settings.
The review will look at how best to support teachers and practitioners to provide 'effective play-based learning'.
The six new areas proposed by Sir Jim Rose are: understanding English, communication and languages; mathematical understanding; scientific and technological understanding; human, social and environmental understanding; understanding physical health and well-being; and understanding the arts and design.
While acknowledging that some parents have concerns about whether children born in the summer are ready to start school, the report also said that summer-born children should start reception the September after they turn four but that some children should attend part-time.
It highlights research from the Institute of Fiscal Studies published last year which concluded that there was an 'education penalty' for children with birthdays in August who start school the September after they turn five, because they do less well at school and are slightly less likely to go to university.
Read the interim report at www.dcsf.gov.uk/primarycurriculumreview.
