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The Central Concern Of The National Curriculum

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The central concern that this case study seeks to address, is whether or not play should continue to be influential in the acquisition of language with regards to readiness to learn within the National curriculum. This emotive subject was found by the researcher to be ever present when providing for needs of the child with SEN and EAL within year one, finding the restriction to movement and space detrimental to learning. Roberts-Holmes (2012) concurs this highlighting the conflict of interests between the EYFS and the National Curriculum where play based learning is very much decreased. In addition Tickell (2011) shares concerns about the ‘disconnect’ between the EYFS and the National Curriculum recommending a smoother transition between the two. Brock (2009) confirms this by speaking of the need for the transition to be more fluent by teacher through a more play based curriculum. However such planning is found by McInnes et al (2011) to be heavily influenced by the predisposed understanding and perceptions of the individual teacher. Therefore an analysis of such thoughts and perceptions towards play within year one, will also be examined/evaluated throughout the research. The research itself will take place within two schools which have been chosen from within similar socioeconomic disadvantaged areas of Stoke-on-Trent (DPH Annual report 2011). The researcher, due to work constraints, considered it unfeasible to involve all seventy primary schools within this locality.

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