The foundation stage, introduced from September 2000, is a new stage of education for children aged from three to the end of the reception year. It is a distinct stage and important both in its own right and in preparing children for later schooling.
Early childhood is crucial in terms of children's development and well-being.
Growth is rapid and differential and a significantly high proportion of learning takes place from birth to age six. It is therefore a time when children particularly need high quality care and learning experiences. The early learning goals establish expectations for most children to reach by the end of the foundation stage, but are not a curriculum in themselves. The early learning goals provide the basis for planning throughout the foundation stage, so laying secure foundations for future learning.