The new school term is now properly under way, and there's lots to help you make the most of it in this week's Nursery World. Our project outline (pages 18-19) is based on the Janet and Allen Ahlberg book Starting School and has some great ideas for helping children to settle in to reception class over their first term. You could equally use the suggestions in your nursery to prepare children for that big move. The new Foundation Stage Profile assessment system is being introduced during this school year, replacing baseline assessment. Our feature 'To the point' (pages 22-23) explains all about the format and content of the scheme and about how it is to be used. Given the focus on ongoing observation rather than testing of children, many experts believe that the Profile will reinforce good Foundation Stage practice rather than hamper it. But the news that national results of the assessments will be published for purposes of comparison raises fears that we could see league tables for reception classes.
The new school term is now properly under way, and there's lots to help you make the most of it in this week's Nursery World. Our project outline (pages 18-19) is based on the Janet and Allen Ahlberg book Starting School and has some great ideas for helping children to settle in to reception class over their first term. You could equally use the suggestions in your nursery to prepare children for that big move.
The new Foundation Stage Profile assessment system is being introduced during this school year, replacing baseline assessment. Our feature 'To the point' (pages 22-23) explains all about the format and content of the scheme and about how it is to be used. Given the focus on ongoing observation rather than testing of children, many experts believe that the Profile will reinforce good Foundation Stage practice rather than hamper it. But the news that national results of the assessments will be published for purposes of comparison raises fears that we could see league tables for reception classes.
Finally, don't forget that the latest issue of our ever-popular Nursery Topics supplement comes free with next week's Nursery World - the theme is Senses.
