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.

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.

Alyson Lewis is PhD researcher at Cardiff University, UK. She has ten years of experience of working as an early years teacher.

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

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