I was heartened to read the feature 'Sitting uncomfortably' by Jenny Lindon (24 January), which emphasised the importance of keeping very young children free from inappropriate academic pressure.
Offering children experiences that capture their interest and deepen their thinking allows them to develop curiosity, imagination, creativity and the ability to express their ideas, feelings and thoughts with their bodies. Language, dance, music, mime, role play, art and sculpture are forms of communication which deepen thinking and strengthen dispositions to learn.
As the Foundation Stage becomes enshrined in law, giving it equal status with Key Stages 1 and 2 in England, the Department for Education and Skills has organised a series of conferences called 'What makes an effective reception class?'. An important theme has developed at these conferences - that it is not necessary to have a 'one-size-fits-all' approach in implementing the Foundation Stage. Instead, people can make their own 'bespoke clothes'.
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