Schools with the best learning through play

BEST practice in delivering the Foundation Phase in schools around Wales has been highlighted in a new report and film published today by education watchdog Estyn.

Schools that provide three to seven year-olds with good opportunities in indoor and outdoor areas to learn and practice new skills, successfully boost children’s literacy and numeracy development, according to inspectors.

In its new good practice guide “Active and experiential learning” education watchdog Estyn describes how the best schools plan the Foundation Phase and balance child-led discovery with adult teaching.

Supporting development of strong literacy and numeracy skills involves a mix of strategies, the guide says inspectors,

In the best schools, practitioners recognise the importance of talking in learning to help children’s vocabulary and create active imaginations. Numeracy skills are developed across a range of activities such as planning the cost of a holiday that enables children to interpret and extract information from data.

One of the case studies highlighted in the guide shows how the story of the three little pigs was used to challenge pupils to build a sturdy house. “Pupils built houses for the pigs in the outdoor area out of a range of different materials.

“They made a note of measurements and counted how many bricks, crates or boxes they used. They tested the strength of the houses using fans and took photographs. Pupils were able to talk about the houses they had made. They communicated in writing and used the mathematical skills they had learned.”

As well as highlighting good practice for schools, the guide outlines the role local authorities, regional consortia and the Welsh Government can play to support delivering the Foundation Phase.

This includes providing training, identifying and sharing effective practice and supporting understanding in schools of how to develop pupils’ skills through active learning when developing a new curriculum for Wales.

Meilyr Rowlands, Chief Inspector of Schools said: “A significant strength of Welsh education is the ethos and principles of the Foundation Phase.

“Central to its success is careful planning by practitioners so the learning environment reflects pupils’ interests and their stage of development so they can develop and practise their skills.

“Our guide and film bring to life how schools across Wales should be providing the foundation phase. From role-playing preparations for the Queen’s birthday celebrations to running a pop-up bakery, there are many ideas to inspire everyone working in the foundation phase to help improve provision and outcomes for children.”

Case studies showing best practice from around Wales which are included in the report and the film from Estyn come from the following schools: Brackla Primary School, Bridgend Ysgol Gymreag Cwm Derwen, Caerphilly

Ysgol Gynradd Carmarthenshire Ysgol Glan Gele, Conwy Sandycroft Primary School, Flintshire

Sealand Primary School, Flintshire Ysgol Gymraeg Ifor Hael, Newport Tongwynlais Primary, Merthyr Tydfil

The Meads Infant and Nursery School, Pembrokeshire

Ynystawe Primary School, Swansea

Blaenavon Heritage VC Primary School, Torfaen

George Street Primary School, Torfaen

Borras Park Community Primary School, Wrexham Saron,