News
More play needed in KS1
14 Apr 2005
Young children should have more opportunities for learning through play in Year 1 to help ensure a smooth transition from the Foundation Stage, according to a new research study for Sure Start. Research carried out by the National Foundation for Educational Research found that most children coped well with the transition. However, teachers identified the biggest challenge as a move from a play-based approach in the Foundation Stage to a more "structured" and "formal" curriculum. They said they often found it hard to get children to sit still during the literacy hour and maths.
Among other suggestions, the research recommended that more training should be given on transition, especially for Year 1 teachers to raise awareness of the Foundation Stage curriculum and help them to integrate elements of it in Year 1. Commenting on the research, Lesley Staggs, national director of the Foundation Stage, said, "It gives some really clear indications on things that will make the transition successful."
(Nursery World, 14 April 2005)
A study of the transition from the foundation stage to Key Stage 1. Dawn Saunders, Gabrielle White, Bethan Burge, Caroline Sharp, Anna Earmes, Rhona McEune and Hilary Grayson. National Foudnation for Educational Research. See www.dcfs.gov.uk/research
