Nursery World - Foundations, not outcomes

By the Early Years Curriculum Group, a nationally-recognised group of early years specialists Early years practitioners in England are educating children within a society that seems to want children to grow up as quickly as possible. It is often falsely assumed that the earlier children are encouraged to learn something, the more proficient they will later become.

Early years practitioners in England are educating children within a society that seems to want children to grow up as quickly as possible. It is often falsely assumed that the earlier children are encouraged to learn something, the more proficient they will later become.

Some parents, reading about low standards in literacy and numeracy, think this represents 'education'. Parents must have access to information about the importance of a broad and balanced educational experience, and be enabled to make informed decisions about what they want their children to have.

Many parents are expressing concerns about the pressure children are under. They need reassurance that these are shared by those who believe early education should be about providing deep and rich foundations rather than narrow and limiting outcomes.

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