Members of Early Education said they felt there was a clash between the 'welcome, play-based philosophy of the Foundation Stage guidance and the formality of SATs at Key Stage 1. At their annual general meeting in London on 9 November, members expressed concern that SATs at Key Stage 1 and the connected league tables 'damaged the potential of a continuum between the Foundation Stage and the National Curriculum'.
Pat Wills, Early Education national chair, said, 'People feel the Foundation Stage is beginning to have an impact, but momentum isn't building because all the things children need for Key Stages 2, 3 and 4, and for life, such as thinking, creativity and self-esteem, all have to be put on one side for SATs.
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