This parliamentary hearing should be interesting - it includes discussion with Chief Inspector, Amanda Spielman, about the 'Bold beginnings...' report!
http://www.parliament.uk/business/commi ... ce-17-192/
The Education Committee hears from Amanda Spielman, Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Education, Children’s Services and Skills as part of its series of hearings with key figures accountable to Parliament.
Watch Parliament TV: Accountability hearings
Inquiry: Accountability hearings
Education Committee
Witness
Wednesday 7 March in Committee Room 15, Palace of Westminster
At 10am
Amanda Spielman, Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education, Children’s Services and Skills, Ofsted
Purpose of the session
Questions will cover Ofsted's inspection of children's services, relationship with Regional Schools Commissioners and the recent report on the Reception curriculum, Bold Beginnings.
[My emboldening!]
Anyone following the 'Bold beginnings...' debate, go to 11.22am on the video footage of the inquiry until 11.39am.
Thelma Walker's comments are really typical of what so many people believe with regard to early years provision. Note, for example, her comment that five year olds sitting down at tables to write with paper and pencil would be 'boring'. Really?
But then note, also, what James Frith said, from a parent's perspective, and how he was very positive about the findings of the 'Bold beginnings...' report.
Here you have two completely contrasting responses to the report. No wonder it is 'controversial'.
Finally, however, note Amanda Spielman's very significant point about children who are not enriched in language and experience. Their choices are more likely to be very limited and they have not been advantaged by the 'teaching' that would ideally take place in the home. Her point is so important and so relevant to the early years debate.
The video footage from 11.22 to 11.39 really is one of those MUST WATCH times to get a handle on the huge contrast in attitudes, ethos and expectations in the early years.