The play based Foundation Curriculum is now being rolled out for all five and six year olds in Wales from this school year.
In 2008, the programme was launched for all children between the ages three to five, and the programme has been successful so far in transforming early years education in Wales by providing "consistency and and continuity to children’s education at such an important period in their lives".
The First Minister, Carwyn Jones said: “Through the Foundation Phase we are giving children the chance to learn by taking part in practical activities that are fun and enjoyable. They are also gaining first hand experiences through play and active involvement which enables them to be creative, imaginative and have fun whilst learning.
“The approach we have taken has been ground-breaking and the enthusiasm and feedback we have received from teachers, support staff, practitioners, parents/carers and, more importantly, children, has been extremely positive and very encouraging.”
The Welsh Education Minister Leighton Andrews argued while the benefits of the curriculum are already being felt in classrooms across Wales, the real "pay-off" would come in long term benefits.
“Subjects such as mathematics have become more practical in the Foundation Phase so that children can see how problems are solved and how important numbers are in their everyday lives," he said.
“September 2011 will see the Foundation Phase completely rolled out and then all three to seven-year-olds in Wales will be able to access our flagship early years education policy. Introducing the Foundation Phase was a big step forward for Wales but, as the past two years have shown us, it was a step in the right direction.”