Welsh Government
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Foundation Phase roll-out continues in Wales
First Minister Carwyn Jones has welcomed the roll-out of the Welsh Assembly Government’s flagship Foundation Phase policy to all 5 and 6-year-olds across Wales.
Following the successful introduction of the revolutionary Foundation Phase to children aged three to five, the play-based curriculum is being rolled out to all five and six-year-olds in Wales from the start of the new school year.
The First Minister said:
“Since the Foundation Phase started being introduced in September 2008 it has helped to transform early years education in Wales. It has brought consistency and continuity to children’s education at such an important period in their lives.
“Through the Foundation Phase we are giving children the chance to learn by taking part in practical activities that are fun and enjoyable. They are also gaining first hand experiences through play and active involvement which enables them to be creative, imaginative and have fun whilst learning.
“The approach we have taken has been ground-breaking and the enthusiasm and feedback we have received from teachers, support staff, practitioners, parents/carers and, more importantly, children, has been extremely positive and very encouraging.”
Education Minister Leighton Andrews said:
“The benefits of teaching and learning through the Foundation Phase are already being seen in schools and settings across Wales. But 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.
“Subjects such as mathematics have become more practical in the Foundation Phase so that children can see how problems are solved and how important numbers are in their everyday lives. There is also more emphasis on children understanding how things work and on finding different ways to solve problems.
“September 2011 will see the Foundation Phase completely rolled out and then all three to seven-year-olds in Wales will be able to access our flagship early years education policy. Introducing the Foundation Phase was a big step forward for Wales but, as the past two years have shown us, it was a step in the right direction.”
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