Foundation Stage (3 to 5 year olds)

Children aged from three to five are in the foundation stage.  This is recognised as a separate stage of learning, laying the foundations for when children begin more formal education.  There is an emphasis on learning through active play, with children encouraged to build on their individual needs and interests. 

At three, children may be attending a day nursery, a pre-school setting, a nursery school or a nursery class which is part of an infant or primary school.  Many children of this age will also be spending most of their time at home or with a childminder.  From the age of four, many will start infant or primary school full time, joining a Reception class. 

The Foundation Stage consists of six learning areas - childcare providers will ensure that children are encouraged to develop in each area:

	Personal, social and emotional development: gaining confidence, taking an interest, recognising their own needs, knowing the difference between right and wrong, being able to dress and undress.
	Communication, language and literacy: learning to talk with confidence, listening to stories, songs and poems, playing with sounds and linking them to letters.  Children will also begin to read and write some familiar words and use a pencil.
	Mathematical development: developing a growing understanding of maths from stories, songs, games and play. Children should become comfortable with numbers and use language such as 'heavier than' or 'bigger'. They will begin to learn about shapes.
	Knowledge and understanding of the world: children will be encouraged to explore the world around them, asking questions to find out more. They will build with different materials and learn about everyday technology. They will explore the past in their own and their family's life and begin to find out about different cultures and beliefs.
	Physical development: children will be given plenty of opportunity to develop skills with equipment and to move with confidence and control.
	Creative development: Exploring colours and shapes, dancing, making things, telling stories and making music.

Your child should feel that they are playing and enjoying themselves, often choosing their own activities.  Sometimes they will be encouraged to join in with activities to help them develop a skill, such as listening, using scissors or building a model. 

Measuring progress

At the end of the foundation stage, your child will be assessed and the teacher will produce a Foundation Stage Profile showing how your child has progressed in each area.  There won't be any tests, and your child should not be aware of being assessed.  Teachers record achievement during the Reception year by observing your child's activities and progress.

Recommended Books: