Inadequate Foundation Phase funding

New initiative, not enough funding… now where have we heard that one before?

Primary headteachers in Wales have voiced their concerns regarding funding issues of the new Foundation Phase, which they believe politicians have continued to ignore. The Foundation Phase, for three to seven year olds, involves the youngest children learning through practical play rather than formal lessons. Following a successful pilot the new curriculum is due to be gradually rolled out to all schools in Wales from September. But headteachers fear the Foundation Phase will be significantly underfunded and that once again, politicians have shown they know little about the needs of children.

Commenting on the ‘irrefutable weight of evidence’ indicating a significant under-funding despite the initial funding promise by Welsh Education Minister, Jane Hutt, and her predecessor, Jane Davidson, a statement issued by the Primary Headteachers Conference in Cardiff said: ‘We are strongly of the opinion that anything less than a fully-funded Foundation Phase is a massive disservice to the young children of Wales.’