Two headteachers are transforming the way their youngest children are taught. Duffryn Infant School in Newport is piloting the new Welsh Foundation Phase which will replace KS1 by 2008. The headteacher explains that the new approach is moving away from formal learning towards structured play. The emphasis is on skills rather than subjects and the children are encouraged to experiment, make connections and do more for themselves. A key aspect of the new approach is more outdoor activity that takes place in the school's own piece of woodland and has worked well. Extra resources for the pilot have led to a good staff/pupil ratio. Phil Pope, headteacher at St Martin's Garden Primary in Bath feels his youngest pupils would benefit from more emphasis on structured play and is introducing less formal learning for Yr1 next year. His staff are enthusiastic but share his concerns that pupils may not meet the standards required of them by the national curriculum in Yr 6.

Video Series: Managing Learning - Primary
Release Date 2005