Foundation Phase (Wales)
The Foundation Phase is an approach to
learning for children from 3-7 years of age in Wales. It combines
Early Years Education (for 3- to 5-year-olds) and Key Stage 1 (5-
to 7-year-olds) of the National Curriculum.
It is the statutory curriculum for all
children in Wales between the ages of 3 and 7 years of age in both
maintained and non-maintained settings that are funded for
education by the Local Education Authority (LEA)
The Foundation Phase places great emphasis on children learning
by doing. Young children are given more opportunities to gain
first-hand experiences through play and active involvement rather
than by completing exercises in books. Children are given time to
develop their speaking and listening skills and to become confident
in their reading and writing abilities.
Framework for learning
This framework sets out the curriculum and outcomes under seven
Areas of Learning. These are;
- Personal and Social Well-Being and Cultural Diversity
- Physical Development
- Creative Development
- Language, Literacy and Communication Skills
- Welsh Language Development
- Mathematical Development
- Knowledge and Understanding of the World
There is an emphasis on developing children’s knowledge, skills
and understanding through play, experiential learning (learning by
doing) and by solving real life problems in both the indoor and
outdoor environments through these areas of learning.
Registered childminders who are not funded for education by the
LEA can still support children’s learning and development by
understanding the philosophy and ethos of the Foundation Phase and
linking this to the care they provide. This is now a requirement
under the National Minimum Standards for Regulated Child Care in
Wales as Standard 7 (:10) states;
"The principles of the Foundation Phase and its seven areas of
learning are understood and applied in a way appropriate to the
age, abilities and stage of development of children in their care
and the nature of the provision."
For more information on the Foundation Phase and for
publications to download visit the
Welsh Government’s Foundation Phase website.
For more information on how NCMA Cymru can support you, contact
Claire Protheroe, Quality
and Development Manager (Wales) on 0845 8801299.
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