THE LOWDOWN
The curriculum for children under five has been criticised for its "tick-box approach" and being too prescriptive. In fact, the Early Years Foundation Stage features 513 skills and attitudes children should acquire before they're five, from playing with fingers and toes to understanding right and wrong.
Children's minister Beverley Hughes insists the curriculum is being created to ensure early years professionals adopt a "rigorous approach", but others are concerned about children having to reach targets.
While the debate rages, local authorities and early years providers are busy familiarising themselves with the framework before it comes into force in 12 months time.
All registered childminders, nurseries, out-of-school clubs, creches and schools with nursery facilities for children under five will have to use the foundation stage. It replaces all other guidance for under-fives and is based on four guiding principles: that each child is unique and capable; children learn to build positive relationships and grow into strong independent people; their surroundings have an impact on learning; and children develop and learn at different rates and all areas of their development are important.
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