March 31st, 2008 Formalising play for the under 5s Posted by Melitsa in Articles, Education, Media

It’s not the first time I’ve heard talk about the huge change resulting in an Under 5s curriculum in the UK. The first time was December 12, 2007 in a Radio 4, Women’s hour discussion. The debate hasn’t really started but I suspect it will hot up during the teaching union conferences this year.

“Moves to formalise nursery education across England could deny toddlers the freedom to play, according to teachers.

Experts in education and child psychology have expressed concerns over the new “early years foundation stage” curriculum for nurseries and children’s centres.”

The Press association

The problem with any formalisation is that toddlers loose the freedom to choose. Whilst some formalisation is expected from the carer through structured programming having an Early years foundation may constrain teachers and carers into too much checking, monitoring with clipboards and less at promoting play.

As with all things time will tell. Early years teachers are very skilled professionals. They do such an amazing job without the added burden of testing and preset standards. Whose standards?

Knowing the best way these children learn is via play it seems so wrong that the government is pushing this aspect. On the other side, it does give a framework to carers, babysitters and peace of mind to parents who leave their little ones with them whilst at work.

The fundamental here is children need to play and have freedom to play. Learning at this stage can come without planning. A trip across the playground or to the car and they spot a worm or slug hijacks anything you had planned but is a no less important learning experience to stop and investigate.

It’s an interesting development- I’m really undecided about how I feel about it.

What are your thoughts?

For more information and recent comment

Changing Curriculum for Early Childhood Education in England

Government site on the Early years foundation stage

Children’s minister Beverley Hughes responds to criticisms of the government’s new guidelines on early years learning

What’s wrong with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)?

The basics in a nutshell

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