Skip to content

High contrast

Pre-school Learning Alliance echoes Ofsted’s calls for further improvement in Foundation Stage settings

NEWS RELEASE

6 March 2007

Pre-school Learning Alliance echoes Ofsted’s calls for further improvement in Foundation Stage settings

Michael Freeston, Director of Training and Quality Assurance at the Pre-school Learning Alliance comments on the Ofsted report Foundation Stage; A survey of 144 Settings:

“The Alliance welcomes Ofsted's findings that most Foundation Stage settings are effective, but echo the concerns that further improvement is needed. We applaud Ofsted’s recommendations for better opportunities for imaginative play and creativity. By enabling learning through play and supporting imaginative and creative behaviour, early years practitioners also help children to develop better communication and language skills.

It is vital that children receive consistent and appropriate care and education as they progress from nursery settings to the foundation stage. Effective communication between settings and schools aids smooth transition and allows practitioners to build on what children already know and can do, rather than ‘starting from scratch’. We are also concerned that some parents don't feel involved enough in their children’s progress. Parents have a wealth of knowledge and understanding about their child's leaning and development. If parents are not involved, a rich source of information is missed.

We hope that headteachers and teachers of three and four year olds take Ofsted's comments on board as they prepare to model their provision on the principles of the EYFS.”

ENDS

For further information please contact:

Anna Roberts
Pre-school Learning Alliance
T: 020 7697 2504
Out of hours press calls: 07979 531 130
E: Anna Roberts

Notes for Editors:

  1. The Pre-school Learning Alliance is the largest voluntary sector provider of quality affordable childcare and education in England.
  2. Through direct provision and its membership of 15,000 nurseries, sessional pre-schools and parent and toddler groups, the Alliance supports over 800,000 children and their families in England. The Alliance also develops and runs family learning programmes, offers information and advice, runs acclaimed training and accreditation programmes and campaigns to influence early years policy and practice.
  3. For information about the Pre-school Learning Alliance, visit our website: www.pre-school.org.uk
1