Foundation Stage based around play

A team of academics and childcare experts, including Toxic Childhood author Sue Palmer, have said the curriculum for children from birth to five has been introduced by stealth. They said it would make children unnecessarily anxious and distort the natural learning process.

But Steve Alexander, chief executive of the Pre-School Learning Alliance, said: "Far from being "prescriptive, severe, or overly cognitive", the foundation stage is a play-based framework. There are no set attainment targets for children under five."

Alexander said he wanted to reassure parents the foundation stage would not damage children. "Applying the framework across all early years settings means children's learning and development will be promoted wherever they access early years care and education," he said. "Activities must be based on play, exploration and active learning."

The foundation stage will come into effect in September next year.