Know the structure of education from early years to post-compulsory education. Summaries the entitlement and provision for early years education la – Since the introduction of the Every Child Matters agenda, coupled with the Childcare Act 2006, it has become an entitlement of all 3 and 4 year olds in England to receive a free part-time early years education. This entitlement allows every child up to 15 hours of free education for 38 weeks of the year. This initiative is funded by the government, via local authorities, to ensure that every child receives up to 2 years of free education before they reach school age.
Parents are not asked to contribute to the cost, provided their child does not receive any additional hours above the threshold. Early years provision in school is concerned with supporting very young children. Although each country within the I-J has a slightly different framework, they are all based upon the concept of learning through play, rather than a more formal learning environment, as this has been proven to be very successful. Here in England, the Foundation Curriculum runs from the ages of 3 to 5 years and is therefore not only used in nurseries and playgroups but is carried forward into
Reception classes too. The Early Years Foundation Stage, which was revised in England in September 2012, dictates one standard framework for development, learning and care for all children from birth until the end of their Reception year. In early years, children are encouraged to self-select from a wide range of activities, both within, and outside of the classroom. This aids the development of their independence and autonomy. Adults will also work alongside children on focused activities involving specific learning goals such as using numbers or using language or writing activities.
