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January 2005
English Watchdog Group Says Children in
Nursery School Should Spend More Time on Social Activities and
Less on Academics |
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The English school inspection service Ofsted reports that
English children in nursery schools are spending too much time
on academics and not enough time engaged in social activities.
The report indicates that children aren’t given sufficient time
to "explore their feelings and thoughts". The paper also states
that "sand, water, paint, dough and clay" are not "freely
accessible". The curriculum for English school children aged
three to five is created by the Qualifications and Curriculum
Authority. It calls the preschool period the foundation stage.
The importance of play at school has long held a prominent
position in many European countries, especially in Scandinavia.
Most children in countries like Denmark and Sweden do not start
school until age 6, but still excel on achievement tests.
Teachers reacted to the report with disdain, stating that
inspectors in the watchdog group have little training in child
development before they are sent to examine schools in England.
Several educators and parents complained that inspectors have
set the bar too low for young children. Many suggest that the
government wants to penalize schools which move beyond teaching
youngsters their ABC’s. Teachers fear the emphasis on “free
play” could undermine learning standards.
Under new learning standards recently implemented in England,
preschools are supposed to cover six domains while teaching
children. They are personal, social and emotional development,
language and literacy, knowledge of the world and creative
development.
When children reach the age of five they must be able to count
to 10, recognize different quantities, communicate in an
effective manner, know patterns and sequences, name and sound
letters as well as write basic words. Several educators who
responded to the report indicated that when children reach
proficiency in the social domains, teachers begin to focus more
on academics. In many nursery schools children not only know
their ABC’s but many can recite it in French.
Ofsted employs 2,000 persons and inspects all preschools in
England. There are about 30,000 nursery schools in England
Visit our bookshop for tools to help the children you work
with.
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