This programme visits Duffryn Infant School in Wales, which is piloting a radically different approach to early years education that places a greater emphasis on learning through play. Phil Pope, headteacher at St Martin's Garden Primary in Bath, visits Duffryn to see the new approach in action.
A key aspect of the new approach is the lower pupil to staff ratio. This has allowed staff to work in very small groups, to differentiate more and to meet the needs of the pupils.
More time is also spent developing the children's speaking and listening skills and working outdoors. The teachers involved feel the less able pupils have benefited greatly and are more ready to move on to more formal learning.
Phil can see that learning is taking place but feels parents may need to be reassured about the term "play" and what the approach offers. He really likes the concept of a 'forest school' and takes the opportunity to speak to the Forestry Commission about the potential of using woodland for learning in other areas.
