Ms Staggs played a vital role in creating the Foundation Stage guidance, which is widely viewed as reflecting best practice in working with three- to five-year-olds. Her new job will include working on the link between the Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 - an area that is causing great concern to leading early years practitioners. It is a real step forward that Minister for Children Margaret Hodge has recognised this.
The sector will now be looking to Lesley Staggs to reverse downward pressures on the Foundation Stage, particularly in reception classes, from Key Stage 1 SATs, and the literacy and numeracy strategies, and for the play-based approach of the Foundation Stage to extend upwards. Hopefully her role will also encompass the links between the Foundation Stage and the under-threes, now that Birth to Three Matters has been introduced. Her experience could be invaluable in making it a smooth transition.
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