Foundation Phase (Wales)

The Foundation Phase is an approach to learning for children from 3 to 7 years old in Wales. It is the statutory curriculum for all children in Wales between these ages in both maintained and non-maintained settings, which are funded for education by the Local Education Authority (LEA).

The Foundation Phase places great emphasis on children learning by doing. Young children are given more opportunities to gain first-hand experiences through play and active involvement rather than by completing exercises in books. Children are given time to develop their speaking and listening skills and to become confident in their reading and writing abilities.

Framework for learning

This framework sets out the curriculum and outcomes under seven Areas of Learning. These are:

• Personal and Social Wellbeing and Cultural Diversity
• Physical Development
• Creative Development
• Language, Literacy and Communication Skills
• Welsh Language Development
• Mathematical Development
• Knowledge and Understanding of the World

There is an emphasis on developing children’s knowledge, skills and understanding through play, experiential learning (learning by doing) and by solving real life problems in both indoor and outdoor environments through these areas of learning.

Registered childminders who are not funded for education by the LEA can still support children’s learning and development by understanding the philosophy and ethos of the Foundation Phase and linking this to the care they provide. This is now a requirement under the National Minimum Standards for Regulated Child Care in Wales as Standard 7 (:10) states:

"The principles of the Foundation Phase and its seven areas of learning are understood and applied in a way appropriate to the age, abilities and stage of development of children in their care and the nature of the provision."

For more information on the Foundation Phase and for publications to download visit the Welsh Government’s Foundation Phase webpages.

For more information on how PACEY Cymru can support you, contact the Cardiff office on 0845 8801299.