Education Minister Jane Hutt announced an additional £5 million this financial year to safeguard the roll-out of the Welsh Assembly Government's flagship early years initiative, the Foundation Phase.
The additional £5 million is on top of the £25 million grant secured in 2008/09 for the roll-out of the Foundation Phase from September and comes from the Minister's existing departmental budget.
The Foundation Phase for three to seven year olds is designed to give children in Wales the best possible start in life. It is based on learning through play, active involvement and practical activities which enhances their creativity, knowledge, skills and understanding which are invaluable for future learning.
Jane Hutt said:
My commitment to the Foundation Phase has never wavered. In securing £5 million additional funding for this wonderful and worthwhile scheme for our youngest learners, we can make sure that all children in Wales get to benefit from what it has to offer.
I am exceptionally proud of the Foundation Phase and the recognition it's getting both here in Wales and across Europe. The support it has from Head teachers, experts, parents and most importantly children bodes well for the future of this pioneering initiative.
The funding will be ring-fenced to provide support for the pilot and early start schools across Wales. Provision will be made in the 2009/10 budget for the transitional support to continue for summer term 2009.
