An Introduction to the Foundation Phase: Early Years Curriculum in Wales

An Introduction to the Foundation Phase provides a practical guide to understanding and implementing the Foundation Phase in any early years setting in Wales. The experienced author team discuss and reflect upon a play based approach to learning and the importance of collaboration between various members in any early years settings. Students are introduced to key topics including: key theories of influential thinkers within early years education, both past and present; international curricula and perspectives on play and how Welsh curriculum compares; effective classroom practice; observational techniques; methods of assessment and how to be a reflective practitioner. Through interviews with different stakeholders, including educational ministers, policy advisors, practitioners and parents, An Introduction to the Foundation Phase concludes by discussing the challenges and complexities of putting policy into practice and considers implications for the future of early years education. Making links between theory, policy and practice is vital for a future workforce and this core text provides a solid foundation for any student within early years. Illustrative case studies, activities, reflective tasks and suggestions for further reading are provided throughout. Online resources for lecturers and students are also included.

Table of Contents:
Introduction Part I: Making Sense of Theory and Policy 1. Understanding the Foundation Phase 2. Influential Thinkers of Early Childhood Education: Past and Present 3. International Perspectives on Play 4. Characteristics of Effective Classroom Practice Part II: Making Sense of Theory into Practice 5. Observational Techniques 6. Methods of Assessment 7. Planning for Purposeful Play in the Foundation Phase 8. Being Reflective: Skills and Techniques Part III: Challenges and Complexities of Policy into Practice 9. Stakeholder Perceptions: Initial and Current 10. Practice and Pedagogy 11. Testing in a Play Based Curriculum 12. The Future of Early Years Education in Wales Glossary Bibliography Index

About the Author :
Amanda Thomas is Senior Lecturer in Early Years Education at the University of South Wales, UK. She has ten years of experience as a primary school teacher. Amanda is currently researching children’s schematic behaviours in the Foundation Phase for her PhD. Alyson Lewis is Senior Lecturer in Early Years Education at Bath Spa University, UK. She has ten years of experience of working as an early years teacher. Alyson is currently researching the concepts and practices of children’s well-being in the early years curriculum for her PhD.

Review :
A very apt book for all people involved in training Foundation Phase practitioners. It will be invaluable for students and teachers alike who require an in-depth discussion of matters relating to the education of under sevens in Wales. This book is long overdue in terms of a seminal text for Wales … the authors link pedagogy to practice in a valuable way; case studies and reflective questions open a pertinent line of enquiry that encourages critical analysis in students. Long awaited, this comprehensive and accessible text is an invaluable guide to all those working in the Foundation Phase in Wales. Not only does it support practitioners to understand the links between theory and practice within their context, it also offers a valuable insight into the perceptions of stakeholders in developing this distinct curriculum for 3-7 year olds. This not only recognises and celebrates what has been achieved so far but also highlights some ofthe tensions and challenges that arise through curriculum implementation. This provides a rich stimulus for debate and discussion allowing individuals and groups of practitioners to be critically reflective of their own pedagogical approaches and consider how they might further transform these in meeting the needs of young children. It's important we have such a current Wales based text suitable for students, practitioners and researchers which offers a balanced argument and current context around the Early Years Foundation Phase Curriculum in Wales. This book provides a current examination of theory and practice with consideration of stakeholders. I enjoyed reading and the insightful consideration of the practical realities, challenges, politics, pressures and benefits surrounding pedagogy within the play based curriculum, this book offers timely critical reflection, stakeholder perspectives and a detailed overview of information. I will be encouraging our Early Childhood Studies undergraduate students to consider this text on publication. A volume that encourages students to develop their understanding of the Foundation Phase whilst engaging with wider debates about the contested and complex principles of early years pedagogy is crucial to developing independently-minded, critical practitioners… This book is indispensable reading for emergent and experienced Foundation Phase practitioners. A book that we’ve been waiting for. Although this text is focused on the Early Years Curriculum in Wales it does support teaching practice in any early years setting. Of particular interest are the links made to influential thinkers in early childhood and international perspectives on play. The importance of reflection and taking a play based approach to early years teaching come to the fore. This is an excellent text, which provides educational students in Wales with a thorough overview of the early years curriculum pertinent to their country.