Continuity of Learning Project
From the School Improvement Service, East Riding of Yorkshire.
Background to the Project
In East Yorkshire schools, effective transition has been supported through project work
(i.e. KS2/KS3 Transition Project, KS1/KS2 guidance materials produced, etc.)
Over this academic year (2003/2004), the transition between the Foundation Stage and KS1 has become more problematic with practitioners
requesting advice; support and training to ensure smooth transition between phases.
Issues raised by staff in our schools:
- The organisation and daily structure in KS1 can lead to a loss of choice and independence, less time to pursue enquiries and interests and a greater degree of teacher direction;
- Changes to pedagogy moving from experiential, play-based and active learning to a greater emphasis on more formal learning and teaching styles;
- Differences in curriculum from thematic work that draws the areas of learning together to subject based lessons drawn from a number of QCA/school schemes of work;
- The differing approaches to planning/assessment and the nature and type of formative assessment shared with the children;
- Changes in the classroom environment and the use of different resources, which impact on some children’s learning;
- The differences in adult/child ratios;
- The differing level of separation between home and school often caused by a decrease in interaction;
- The pressure of time to ‘prepare the children for KS1 assessments’.
Staffs in many schools feel that as long as schools are judged and compared in terms of a limited range of areas of attainment, the
downward pressure will continue to have an impact on the decisions that are made in respect to timetables, curriculum, assessment
procedures and teaching and learning.
Based on these findings and those of the Ofsted HMI evaluation, consultations have been organised to ensure that the Foundation
Stage Team, the Assessment Team and the Primary Strategy Consultants are in full support of future project developments.
Project Initial Plans
1. Project announcement made through the publication of the Primary Strategy
newsletter.
2. Project invitation sent to all reception and year 1 staff working in primary/infant
schools.
3. Headteacher training:
- To raise awareness about the Foundation Stage curriculum and assessment.
- To encourage debate about the transition issues raised by schools.
- To launch the new Project.
4. Staffs invited to the launch of the Project (one day meeting).
5. Further project meetings held in smaller cluster groups (geographically located
schools who can work together and develop network support).
Project Objectives
The objectives of the project are to:
- ensure continuity of learning and teaching between Foundation Stage and KS1;
- develop coherent planning and assessment practice;
- support staffs in working together to promote effective transition;
- improve the use of information to support continuity and progressions of all children across the Foundation Stage and KS1;
- share best practice in developing transition in schools;
- produce guidance materials based on the findings of the project schools.
Support Materials/Publications
The following publications are recommended.
Excellence and Enjoyment - DfES.
Primary Strategy materials.
Smooth Transitions - Ros Bayley/Sally Featherstone.
Shirley Clarke materials (training packs, books).
Ofsted HMI evaluation.
Local Authority project outcomes (Kirklees, Birmingham, Barnsley, Walsall).
Resources
Published below are links to documents useful to the work done in East Riding of Yorkshire schools by Foundation Stage
practitioners.
To open a document please click on the linked text title visible in the left portion of the panel.
You are encouraged to download and use the resource and, if appropriate, amend or repurpose to meet your own requirements.
Icons displayed to the right of the grey resource download panels indicate documents' curriculum relevance and its
suggested (but not compulsory) areas of use.
For more information please contact:
Angela Jones, Teaching and Learning Consultant, Foundation Stage and Primary Data
Tel: (01482) 392467
E-mail: angela.jones@eastriding.gov.uk
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