Early learning in the Foundation Stage

The Foundation Stage (nursery/reception) is for children aged 3-5 and is the first stage of their education. The key focus is on teaching them routine and easing them into the idea of learning in a structured environment. A lot of the activities your child will undertake will be play-based, with more formal teaching not starting until they begin Year 1

When can my child go to school?

All children aged four and many aged three (depending on where you live), are entitled to free part-time education. To find out what is available for your child, have a look at the Government's ChildcareLink website (childcarelink.gov.uk) or call 08000 96 02 96.

Where can they go to learn?

The Government funds places at:

• Nursery and reception classes
• Playgroups
• Pre-schools
• Accredited childminders in approved childminding networks

What is in the Foundation Stage?

The Foundation Stage was introduced in the 90s, and a more experimental and play-based form of learning was brought in following lengthy research. This may be very different from your experiences of starting school. The Foundation Stage recognises that children need to be able to use concrete experiences to provide the building blocks for their learning, so with that in mind it utilises play, modeling, painting, investigating and cooking as the medium for learning.

How are they tested?

Children are assessed at the Foundation Stage, and the results are recorded as a Foundation Stage Profile. This profile enables teachers to access how your child has progressed and if they have reached the early learning goals set in each of the learning areas. Teachers will record your child's achievements throughout the Reception year based on their own observations. Don't worry, there won't be any scary tests!