Foundation Phase

The Foundation Phase is an approach to learning which is for children between the ages of 3 and 7 in Wales. It is the compulsory curriculum in Wales for all children between the ages of 3 and 7 in both maintained and non maintained provisions that are funded for education by the Local Education Authority. The foundation phase places a great importance on children learning by doing rather than sitting in a classroom. The foundation phase also gives young children the opportunity to gain first hand experiences through play and active involvement rather than sitting in a classroom completing exercises in books and learning off the board. By learning through hands on experiences this gives the children time to develop their listening and speaking skills which will enable them to become more confident when they are writing and reading. This is to develop the children’s knowledge, skills and understanding through play, practical learning, and by solving real life problems in both the indoor and outdoor environments through these areas of learning. 

Within the foundation phase there is framework which sets out the curriculum under the seven areas of learning.  These seven areas are Personal and Social Wellbeing, And Cultural Diversity, Physical Development, Creative Development, Language, Literacy and Communication Skills, Welsh Language Development, Mathematical Development, Knowledge and Understanding the world.

1)Personal and Social Wellbeing and Cultural Diversity explores experimental learning in which activities take place inside and outside of the classroom aiming to find the advantages of this. This also helps children to understand other peers’ cultures and builds confidence and which also builds on their self esteem. Whilst doing this it builds relationships with other individuals who allow them to explore and understand other people’s feelings.

2)Language, Literacy and Communication Skills discusses how children in Wales live in a bilingual society and explores the difficulties that come along with this. Also In this element of the foundation phase communication is the key when children are encouraged to talk about their emotions in order to sort out any problems that they may be having. Children here are encouraged to listen and answer to others and make choices through a variety of different Medias.

3)Mathematical Development is helping children develop their skills by oral and practical and play activities. This is by using a more formal method as the development increases.

4)Welsh Language Development is where the children are more and more exposed to the welsh language. It ensures that welsh language carries on to the next age groups to come. This can help to encourage feelings of belonging and a sense or heritage. It can also help to support an understanding of the welsh culture.  
 

5)Knowledge and Understanding of the World is where the child should experience the world by learning for themselves by investigating indoor and outdoor environments. All children have curiosity about the world that we live in so this area of learning helps children explore using their imagination and through play. The children will be given experiences that increase their curiosity in which they then begin to understand the world we live in which enables them to demonstrate care, responsibility, concern and respect.
 

6)Physical Development is where the children will exercise their fine gross motor skills. This explains to the children the importance of keeping fit and eating healthily. This is also part of the national curriculum.

7)Creative Development is where the children will practise and explore the designing area of education which includes the subjects arts and dance.

Reference;
http://wales.gov.uk/topics/educationandskills/earlyyearshome/foundation_phase/?lang=en
http://wales.gov.uk/topics/educationandskills/earlyyearshome/foundation_phase/eval/;jsessionid=E83A09DF35FD4C9C0228C93ED131BC51?lang=en
http://wales.gov.uk/topics/educationandskills/earlyyearshome/foundation_phase/foundationphasepractitioners/frameworkchildlearning/?lang=en