Title
An examination of the attitudes of parents towards the impact of play in the foundation stage
Introduction
The research proposal for this paper is to consider and identify parent’s views and understanding of the educational importance of play within the foundation stage, and whether parents are aware of the value of play in the early years.
The Preschool was registered in 2002 and is managed by a voluntary management committee, incorporating an Islamic Ethos. The parents of the children who attend the setting are second and third generation Muslims.
Having an awareness of children’s family, community and culture will enable practitioners’ to provide children with culturally specific play that will enhance children’s learning. Bruner argued children’s play is affected by their culture and environment. It is determined by the cultural, linguistic, religious and social nature of the community (Hallet et al, 2008).
Children’s education has been in the forefront of the government in recent years. Mainly due to the implementation of policies such as Aiming High for Children: Supporting Families (DfES, 2007) and initiatives such as Sure Start and the National Childcare Strategy (Baldock et al, 2009). These strategies have established support services for parents, families and the community and have brought together the welfare and education of young children (Lewis, 2006 p.166).
The Early Years Foundation Stage also endorses parents to be encouraged and valued as partners in their child’s education.
“Parent’s are children’s first and most enduring educators”.
(DCSF 2008a, 2.2)
And continues to identify a positive impact on children’s learning when practitioners and parents’ work together (DCSF 2008b, p.6).
Conversely a recent survey conducted by the Preschool Learning Alliance identified parents are still not completely aware of the concept of the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum and the impact of play in children’s...