This professional development initiative brings together head teachers and Foundation Stage leads from schools for a two-day course, with a mentor visit in between, with the aim of building confident and informed leadership of the EYFS Key Stage. The course is designed to ensure that the participants gain a secure understanding of the statutory themes and principles of the early years curriculum and, through bitesize research reports on key aspects of practice, can use research to transform early years practice. It was researched by Sally Pearse, Di Chilvers and Sarah Gordon.
The course aims to improve the quality of pedagogical practice in school Foundation Stages by supporting schools to establish their early years vision and key priorities. The mentor visits and taught days will enable schools to develop a realistic roadmap for change and build confidence to present their Foundation Stage practice to Ofsted. It is hoped that regional Foundation Stage networks will develop as the programme is rolled out.
