Foundation Stage News, Planning for F.S.

Advice in relation to planning for the Foundation Stage is detailed on pages 12 and 13 of  the CCEA publication ‘Understanding the Foundation Stage’.  The attached proformas are suggested blank planning grids, as used during the PMB professional development programme, which teachers may find useful as they develop their approach to planning.  The following advice has been given in relation to planning:

• The principles of planning in the Foundation Stage are grounded in Assessment for Learning, i.e. planning based on the developmental needs and interests of the children.
• Teachers should plan within the six areas of learning (& RE).
• Within the Revised Primary Curriculum current approaches to planning should be reviewed and amended/adapted as appropriate.  Flexibility is the key!
• There is no one single approach to planning in the Foundation Stage.  Teachers should refer to the planning section of ‘Understanding the Foundation Stage’, pages 12 and 13.
• In addressing the need for long, medium and short term planning, teachers should avoid unnecessary repetition.”