Editor's view - Wales the brave

And now the final report from the three-year evaluation of the statutory curriculum has found some very positive results in terms of children's achievement, wellbeing and involvement (see News, page 14).

There are some reservations, some challenges, and some areas for improvement, of course, but the main message is that the Foundation Phase should continue to be developed and enhanced and has widespread support.

Early years practitioners in England might well covet many of the elements of the Foundation Phase, as they include much of what is recognised as best practice. It has drawn on evidence from Scandinavia, New Zealand and Reggio Emilia in Italy. There are high adult to child ratios, and a developmental, experiential, play-based approach is central right up to the end of Key Stage 1. Learning environments have been transformed.

The emphasis on outdoors, physical activity, child choice and learning zones has been particularly beneficial for boys, summer borns, children with special educational needs, and those with English or Welsh as an additional language.

The report shows that there are still some doubts about the approach, especially for practitioners in Years 1 and 2, where the differences to the previous, more formal curriculum are most marked, and the effect on the most disadvantaged children also needs further research. However, top marks all round for a courageous revolution.

Any chance of English policy-makers taking a good look?