The Foundation Phase
The Foundation Phase Team based in the Vale of
Glamorgan is a team of well qualified and enthusiastic
practitioners. The team’s experience encompasses all disciplines
within the remit of the Foundation Phase. They will advise,
support, coach and model good practice with all practicing
professionals within the Vale of Glamorgan.
In order to keep abreast of new developments the
team links frequently with other authorities in the Central South
Consortium and the rest of Wales through the All Wales Foundation
Phase Advisers (AWFPA) and Training Support Officer (TSO) meetings.
It is their aim that the Vale of Glamorgan should be seen as an
outstanding beacon of practice in all aspects of the Foundation
Phase.
The team comprises Meryl Plummer, Team Leader
and Primary Link Adviser; Teresa Beane, Amanda Gould, Debbie
Collins, Sarah Richards, LAP/NAP coordinator and Tracey Middleton,
LAP/NAP provider.
The Foundation Phase is a Welsh Government,
national reform covering the combined ages of 3-5 Year olds and 5-7
Years olds i.e. Early Years and Key Stage 1 provision. The
statutory roll-out of the Foundation Phase began in September
2008 (for 3-5 year olds) and will be completed by July
2011 (for 7 year olds).
The Foundation Phase curriculum is planned as a
progressive framework that spans four years (3 to 7 years) to meet
the diverse needs of all children, including those who are at an
earlier stage of development and those who are more able.
Throughout their formative years, children’s learning develops more
rapidly than at any other time. However, progress is not even and
children go through periods of rapid development and times when
they seem to regress. A curriculum for young children should be
appropriate to their stage of learning rather than focusing solely
on age-related outcomes to be achieved. Children should move on to
the next stages of their learning when they are developmentally
ready and at their own pace.
Indoor and outdoor environments that are fun,
exciting, stimulating and safe promote children’s development and
natural curiosity to explore and learn through first-hand
experiences. The Foundation Phase environment should promote
discovery and independence and a greater emphasis on using the
outdoor environment as a resource for children’s learning.
The Foundation Phase Team provides support
to maintained and non-maintained settings and comprises, as stated
above, of 1 advisor and 3 associate advisers. One of the associate
advisers provides the 10% qualified teacher input to non-maintained
settings. Associate advisers offer support and quality training.
One associate adviser is the designated Training Support Officer
rolling out the Foundation Phase training developed by the Welsh
Assembly Government to practitioners in the Vale of Glamorgan.
In order to gather information and develop
good practice the School Improvement Service monitors Estyn
inspection reports so that training needs can be identified and
support given. Providers are encouraged to undertake training in
for instance, early identification of Additional Learning Needs,
planning and assessment, child protection and health and safety and
to attend forum and cluster meetings or to visit other settings to
see examples of good practice. The School Improvement Service works
in partnership with representatives of Wales Pre-School Playgroups
Association, Mudiad Ysgolion Meithrin and the Flying Start Early
Years teacher.
For further information please contact:-
Stragegic Leader for Foundation Phase and Primary
Adviser - Meryl Plummer
Tel: 01446 709173
Email:
mplummer@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk
Associate Adviser Foundation Phase– Terese
Beane
Tel: 01446 709594
Email: Tbeane@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk
Associate Adviser
Foundation Phase– Amanda Gould
Tel: 01446 709874
Email: Agould@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk
Associate Adviser Foundation
Phase - Debbie Collins
Tel: 01446 709798
Email: DCollins@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk