The Foundation Phase will be statutory for children in Wales aged from three to seven years from September 2011. It was extended to four- to five-year-olds last September and launched for three- and four-year-olds in September 2008 (News, 9 September 2009 and 19 June 2008).
First minister Carwyn Jones welcomed the third stage of the play-based curriculum. 'Since the introduction of the Foundation Phase, early years education in Wales has been transformed. It has brought consistency and continuity to children's education at an important period in their lives,' he said.
'Through the Foundation Phase we are giving children the chance to learn by taking part in practical activities that are fun and enjoyable. The enthusiasm and feedback we have received from teachers, support staff, practitioners, parents and carers and, more importantly, children, has been extremely positive and very encouraging.'
Education minister Leighton Andrew said, 'The pay-off of this radical new way of learning will be long-term and its impact will be felt for many years to come.
'Introducing the Foundation Phase was a big step forward for children in Wales but, as the past two years have shown us, it was a step in the right direction.'
Purnima Tanuku, chief executive of the National Day Nurseries Association, said, 'Evidence from other countries suggests that children can benefit greatly from a delayed start to formal education, continuing to learn through play. A number of nurseries are already delivering the Foundation Phase curriculum effectively, and we would urge the Welsh Assembly Government to consider allowing children who are perhaps not ready for school or whose parents would prefer them to stay in a nursery to be funded to do so.'
