Unit 302

Schools as organisations

Outcome 1

1.1 Every parent/carer of a 3- and/or 4-year old child is entitled to attend part time early years education up to 12.5 hours a week for 38 weeks a year for free. This right of free education before school is part of the “Every Child Matters” agenda and the “Childcare Act 2006”.
Early years provision in school means to support very young children. It is different to Key Stage 1 and it is based on the concept of learning through play. Even if you will not work in nursery or reception it is important to have a knowledge and understanding of the curriculum and requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage, especially as it is different in all the countries of the UK and as a teaching assistant you might be asked to work with this age group.
In England and Wales the Foundation Curriculum covers the age group between 3 and 5. This means only nurseries and reception classes following these guide lines. The Early Years Foundation Stage, which was introduced in 2008, contains one standard framework of learning, development and care from birth till the end of reception. The support staff in Year 1 do not have to follow these guide lines but it is recommended to keep them till the end of autumn term.
In Scotland the Curriculum is based on the “Curriculum for Excellence”.
Scotland’s and Northern Ireland’s age groups are different to England and Wales. Another difference to England and Wales is the fact that only pupils who are ready will go on to the primary phase.
It does not matter in which country you are working, all these curriculums based on the idea that adults working alongside children to teach them activities which involve specific concepts and using numbers, spoken and written language. The children are also encouraged by working and playing independently to support their autonomy.

short summary: * every 3 or 4 year old child is entitled to free education * Early Years provision is distinct to key stage 1 * Early Year provision is based on the concept of learning through play * to have a knowledge of the curriculum and requirements of early years foundation stage * differences in all countries of the UK (Scotland, Northern Ireland, England and Wales) * EYFS is introduced in 2008 and contains guide lines for 0-5 years * Foundation curriculum contains guide lines for 3-5 years * Foundation curriculum is recommended for year 1 till end of autumn term * adults teaching children specific concepts (numbers, verbal/written language) * supporting children’s autonomy

1.2 There are four maintained schools, which are funded by the local authorities.
1. community schools; like the name reveals is this kind of school community related and run and owned by the local authorities. They also assign the admission policies. It could be that local groups, such as adult education, family fitness, after school clubs, a.s.o., use these facilities after the regular school times.
2. foundation and trust schools; the trust school is a type of foundation school. Both are run by their own governing body. The admission policies are maintained by them but only in agreement with the local education authority. The properties, like land and buildings, are also owned by the governing body or a charitable foundation. In difference to the foundation schools the trust schools will design a charitable Trust with a third party, e.g. a business. The governing body makes the decision to become a trust school in consultation with the parents.
3. voluntary schools; there are two kinds of voluntary schools, voluntary-aided and voluntary-controlled. Voluntary-aided schools are also known as “faith” schools and apparently fulfil a religious purpose