In 2001, the Welsh Assembly Government announced the idea of a new curriculum for Wales, the Foundation Phase. Based on the principle that early years' provision should offer a sound foundation for future learning through a developmentally appropriate curriculum. During September 2008, the Welsh Assembly Government introduced the Foundation Phase curriculum to Welsh schools for children from 3 to 7 years of age, combining Early Years Education for 3 to 5 year-olds and Key Stage 1 of the National Curriculum for 5 to 7-year olds. Within the Foundation Phase curriculum there are 7 core areas of learning. These statutory Areas of Learning are; Personal and Social Development, Well-being and Cultural Diversity; Language Literacy and Communication skills; Mathematical Development; Welsh Language Development; Knowledge and Understanding of the World; Physical Development and Creative Development. The implementation of these areas of learning are carried out with reference to the guidelines stated within The Framework for Children’s Learning (FCL) for 3-7 year olds (DCELLS , 2008). The FCL highlights the …show more content…
The Foundation phase aims to ensure that all children receive a learning environment where the child is viewed as an active and powerful participant within the learning process. Accompanying this vital part of the key message is having quality interactions with adults, pole-bridging, questioning and sustained shared thinking. The Teachers and Adults role within the FCL is paramount to the child’s learning experience, the adults roles is to facilitate the learning and assist in the provision of the tasks and outcomes. In the words of Montessori; “it is necessary for the teacher to guide the child without letting him feel her presence too much, so that she may be always ready to supply the desired help, but may never be the obstacle between the child and his experience" (Montessori,