Communication difficulties could put the successful implementation of the Welsh Foundation Phase at risk, the final evaluation of the pilot of the curriculum for three- to seven-year-olds has warned (see News, page 4). Stakeholders throughout the FP pilots complained of the lack of information and poor communication. And it is possible to see the effect that this then has on practice with the children. Another of the key recommendations made was for a greater emphasis on literacy and interaction with adults, areas of learning that had declined under the new system. The problem seems to be a misunderstanding of what a play-based curriculum should entail, with some settings lowering their planning and giving less adult input. As Professor Iram Siraj-Blatchford, who led the evaluation team,says, 'In a play-based experiential curriculum you need high-level engagement with the children, but following the children's interests.'
Communication difficulties could put the successful implementation of the Welsh Foundation Phase at risk, the final evaluation of the pilot of the curriculum for three- to seven-year-olds has warned (see News, page 4).
Stakeholders throughout the FP pilots complained of the lack of information and poor communication. And it is possible to see the effect that this then has on practice with the children. Another of the key recommendations made was for a greater emphasis on literacy and interaction with adults, areas of learning that had declined under the new system. The problem seems to be a misunderstanding of what a play-based curriculum should entail, with some settings lowering their planning and giving less adult input. As Professor Iram Siraj-Blatchford, who led the evaluation team,says, 'In a play-based experiential curriculum you need high-level engagement with the children, but following the children's interests.'
It would be a great shame if the excellent theory behind the Foundation Phase was to be diluted and distorted before it reaches the classroom, and a new communication strategy is to follow. There are important messages here for those responsible for bringing in the Early Years Foundation Stage in England, too.
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