Nantgaredig School is a Welsh medium primary school in Carmarthenshire Wales. In total there are 238 pupils at Nantgaredig School, of which 122 are in the Foundation Phase.

The Foundation Phase encompasses the developmental needs of children. At the centre of the statutory curriculum framework lies the holistic development of children and their skills across the curriculum, building on their previous learning experiences, knowledge and skills. The Foundation Phase curriculum promotes equality of opportunity and values, and celebrates diversity. Children learn through first-hand experiential activities with the serious business of ‘play’ providing the vehicle. Through their play, children practice and consolidate their learning, play with ideas, experiment, take risks, solve problems, and make decisions individually, in small and in large groups.

The Foundation Phase curriculum is planned as a progressive framework that spans four years (3 to 7 years) to meet the diverse needs of all children, including those who are at an earlier stage of development and those who are more able. A curriculum for young children should be appropriate to their stage of learning rather than focusing solely on age-related outcomes to be achieved. Children should move on to the next stages of their learning when they are developmentally ready and at their own pace Indoor and outdoor environments that are fun, exciting, stimulating and safe promote children’s development and natural curiosity to explore and learn through first-hand experiences. The Foundation Phase environment should promote discovery and independence and a greater emphasis on using the outdoor environment as a resource for children’s learning. Click on the logo to visit the Foundation Phase Documentation

The first year in our Foundation Phase are our Nursery children which are known in Welsh as the ‘Meithrin’, aged 3-4. We have three intakes per year, in the spring, summer and autumn terms. Children start school after their third birthday. The children start part time, afternoon (first term 1pm- 3.20pm), morning (second term 8.55am pm) and full day (third term 8.55am – 3.20pm). Meithrin staffing are on a ratio of 1:8, one teacher and three Learning Support Assistants.

The second year in our Foundation Phase are our Reception children which are known in Welsh as the ‘Derbyn’, aged 4-5. Derbyn has the same staffing as the Meithrin on a ratio of 1:8, one teacher and three Learning Support Assistants.

The third year in our Foundation Phase are our Year 1 children which are known in Welsh as ‘Blwyddyn 1’, aged 5-6. Year 1 has the staffing ratio of 1:15, one teacher and one Learning Support Assistant.

The fourth year in our Foundation Phase are our Year 2 children which are known in Welsh as ‘Blwyddyn 2’, aged 6-7. These are the eldest children within our Foundation Phase. Year 2 has the staffing ratio of 1:15, one teacher and one Learning Support Assistant.

The infant Speech and Language Unit, which are known in Welsh as ‘Uned Iaith a Lleferydd y Babanod’ is a mixed aged class of children aged 3 – 7. The Unit supports children with specific learning difficulties which include speech and language, autism and behaviour. The staffing within our unit are one class teacher, two Learning Support Assistants, one, 1:1 Learning Support Assistant and a speech therapist who one day a week with the children. The staffing will vary according to the number and the needs of the children. The maximum number of children at any one time is eight. The Framework is adjusted to suit the needs of the children within the Unit, however, most of the teaching and learning is through hands on learning and life experiences.

Seven Areas of Learning have been identified to describe an appropriate curriculum for 3 to 7-year-olds that supports the development of children and their skills. They must complement each other and work together to provide a cross-curricular approach to form a practical relevant curriculum. Emphasis is placed on developing children’s skills across the Areas of Learning, to provide a suitable and integrated approach for young children’s learning. The seven Areas of Learning are: Personal and Social Development, Well-Being and Cultural Diversity Language, Literacy and Communication Skills Mathematical Development Welsh Language Development Knowledge and Understanding of the World Physical Development Creative Development. Personal and Social Development, Well-Being and Cultural Diversity is at the heart of the Foundation Phase and should be developed across the curriculum. The Welsh language development area of learning does not apply to Welsh medium schools as Welsh is taught through all areas of learning.

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