Foundation Stage
Young children come to school from a variety of different backgrounds, having had a range of diverse learning experiences at home and, for most, some form of pre-school education. The Foundation Stage aims to build on these learning experiences by providing children with an appropriate learning programme to develop their dispositions to learn. It also aims to provide them with the skills and competencies they will need to succeed in school and future life.
The Foundation Stage also endorses good early years practice where teachers have more flexibility in terms of what they teach. This flexibility allows teachers to follow the interests of the children, encouraging them to see links in their learning and to appreciate that the skills they learn in one area can be applied elsewhere.
Learning Outdoors in the Early Years
Guidance on teaching and learning outdoors.
Learning Outdoors in the Early YearsPDF, 3 MB
Learning Through Play
Guidance on teaching and learning through play.
Learning Through Play in the Early YearsPDF, 5.15 MB
Guidance For Early Second Language Learning
Guidance and suggested activities for introducing second language learning at Foundation Stage.
Foundation Stage: Guidance for
Early Second Language Learning PDF, 124 KB
Thinking Skills in the Early Years: A Guide for Practitioners
A report from Stranmillis University College.
Thinking Skills in the Early YearsPDF, 1 MB
Promoting Thinking Skills and Personal Capabilities across the Curriculum
Promoting Thinking Skills and Personal Capabilities leaflet PDF, 470 KB
Thinking Skills and Personal Capabilities PosterPDF, 386 KB
Developing Thinking Skills & Personal Capabilities
The following case studies show how Thinking Skills and Personal Capabilities (TSPCs) were developed in Early Years classrooms.
Snowy Solution
Developing TSPCs at Foundation Stage PDF, 55 KB
Three Little Pigs and One Big Bad Wolf
Developing TSPCs at Foundation Stage PDF, 67 KB
Flying High
Developing TSPCs at Foundation Stage PDF, 123 KB
List of Resources for Foundation Stage
Resources for Foundation Stage DOC, 38 KB
The Northern Ireland Curriculum: Primary
This document contains the statutory requirements and non-statutory guidance for the Revised Curriculum at Primary Schools.
The Northern Ireland Curriculum: PrimaryPDF, 980 KB
Understanding the Foundation Stage
Information on the aims and characteristics of the Foundation Stage and curriculum and assessment for Early Years teachers.
Understanding the Foundation Stage PDF, 704 KB
View Foundation Stage clip from DVD This excerpt from the 'Planning for Implementation' DVD introduces the Foundation Stage.