Curriculum
Opinion: Editor's view - Don't panic about the EYFS - just get to the core of best practice
'Evolution not revolution' has become something of a cliche, but certainly not a meaningless one where early years practice is concerned. As Julian Grenier, head of Kate Greenaway Nursery School and Children's Centre, points out in 'All About... planning around core experiences' (pages 17-22), the belief that implementing the Early Years Foundation Stage involves tearing up everything that went before and starting from scratch has caused no end of heartache and stress!
Panic sets in about making every minute child-initiated and rejecting any aspect of practice that could be termed a 'topic'. Early years practitioners get in a complete flap about planning. The end result is sometimes more aimless milling about than purposeful, playful learning.
Julian's article argues for existing good practice to be built on and evolved for the best results. He explains Kate Greenaway's development of a core experience curriculum, and offers to share their thinking - not for other settings to copy slavishly, but to prompt and inspire them to work out how they should progress.
The EYFS approach and guidance can be hugely beneficial, but not if a complete lack of continuity leads to bewilderment.
Also in this week's issue of Nursery World is an Analysis piece by Peter Moss, Professor of Early Childhood Provision at the London's Institute of Education, who has consistently been one of the most interesting thinkers in the field for many years. He looks back at Labour's legacy in early years and at what needs to happen next. The biggest disappointment is that the split between childcare and early education has not been eradicated. Until that happens, we will never be able to take the next steps in developing a world-class early childhood service.
