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Ofsted: Some Reception class children lack 'foundational knowledge' for reading and writing

Schools continue to face significant challenges in dealing with the impact of the pandemic on the behaviour and social skills of children currently in Reception and Key Stage 1, according to Ofsted.
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The inspectorate has published a report based on visits to schools looking at how they support children to develop the ‘foundational knowledge’ and skills they need by the end of Key Stage 1 to do well in education later on.

Inspectors found that one of the main barriers to children’s learning in Reception and key stage 1 is when ‘the foundational knowledge’ children need is not clearly identified in the curriculum. This often leaves teachers unsure about what to prioritise in their teaching and assessment, Ofsted said.

It states that English and literacy curriculums, more than maths, tend to introduce complex tasks too early, which means that ‘children do not learn the proper way:

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