Dodgy foundations risk bringing education down

12.30.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 14th Apr 2008

Welsh Liberal Democrats will warn today that the government's chronic underfunding of a new curriculum for infants risks rocking the foundations of Wales' education system.

The "Foundation Phase" is due to begin in Welsh infant schools from September. But local authorities are warning that the government has failed to back the plan with enough cash or extra staff to ensure children get the most out of the new play-based curriculum.

Kirsty Williams said: "Welsh Liberal Democrats support the Foundation phase's aims and curriculum and the focus on the Social and Physical development and lifelong learning abilities of a child 100%. But we have grave concerns that inadequate funding and recruitment will mean that the initiative will not be properly implemented so these benefits are lost.

"For the Foundation Phase (FP) to be implemented as it has been intended, providing extra, quality, adult provision within the classroom the full amount of funding must be in place. There are concerns about staff/pupil ratios; training; and support for schools."

Mike German, leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, said: "Schools that have been piloting the FP have been notified of dramatic reductions in their levels of funding as the scheme is introduced nationally e.g. £172,000 per year during the pilot stage will fall to £34,000 for 08-09.

"Some schools are moving resources from elsewhere in their schools, to the detriment of other provision, to try to deliver the required FP staffing levels. This is especially true of schools facing imminent inspection. We want the Minister's assurance that school's will not be penalised during inspections for not meeting FP adult:pupil ratios during this first year.

"The principle behind the FP - using directed play to allow children to develop and learn - has widespread support. I only hope the Labour/Plaid government's failure to train sufficient staff to meet staff/pupil ratios, and failure to find the money the plan needs to succeed will not be detrimental to children."

Notes:

Motion for Wednesday:

The National Assembly for Wales regrets that the aspirations of the Foundation Phase are unlikely to be achieved due to the inadequate funding and planning of the Welsh Assembly Government.