Play-based activity classes for children rolled out across Welsh schools
Date: 07/09/2010 / Category: Indoor play for schools and groups
Activity classes for children orientated around play-based learning are being introduced across Welsh schools this term.
The new initiative is being introduced among five and six-year-olds following the successful introduction of a similar Foundation Phase learning programme for three to five-year-olds.
Welsh Assembly ministers are already seeing the benefits of the Foundation Phase scheme filtering through to school classrooms and are confident that the activity classes for children based around this model will have far-reaching long-term benefits.
Education minister Leighton Andrews explained that the model has been applied in a number of ways, such as by making mathematics more practical in terms of the exercises for kids that are used.
He added: "There is also more emphasis on children understanding how things work and on finding different ways to solve problems.
"Introducing the Foundation Phase was a big step forward for Wales but, as the past two years have shown us, it was a step in the right direction."
Earlier this month, a survey by Play England suggested that parents are concerned schools in the UK are too restrictive of children's play.
Three-quarters of parents believe that there is too much of an emphasis on health and safety from teachers.
Posted by Sarah Thomas
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