It seems that 2005 is going out with a bang rather than a whimper, with the news that Lesley Staggs is leaving her post as national director of the Foundation Stage (see News, page 4). The sound of alarm bells, instead of Christmas bells, can be heard throughout the early years sector at the loss of such a respected, trusted and strong figure at this crucial point in the development of the Early Years Foundation Stage. However, it appears that a combination of political pressure to include recommendations such as those on synthetic phonics in the Jim Rose review, and Capita's restructuring of the Foundation Stage team so that regional advisors will no longer report to the national director, led Lesley Staggs to the conclusion that she would not be able to do the job she had originally taken on.
It seems that 2005 is going out with a bang rather than a whimper, with the news that Lesley Staggs is leaving her post as national director of the Foundation Stage (see News, page 4). The sound of alarm bells, instead of Christmas bells, can be heard throughout the early years sector at the loss of such a respected, trusted and strong figure at this crucial point in the development of the Early Years Foundation Stage.
However, it appears that a combination of political pressure to include recommendations such as those on synthetic phonics in the Jim Rose review, and Capita's restructuring of the Foundation Stage team so that regional advisors will no longer report to the national director, led Lesley Staggs to the conclusion that she would not be able to do the job she had originally taken on.
When renowned experts join the Government and attempt to use their influence from within, the need for some compromise is always apparent.
Many decide to get out quite quickly, weary of not being able to speak out.
Lesley's sterling efforts on enshrining best practice in the Foundation Stage have been much appreciated. The fear now is that the Early Years Foundation Stage could go badly awry without this staunch defender of young children's interests.
Liz Roberts, editor
