Editor's view

We know that early years practitioners are very concerned to help parents understand the Foundation Stage and how their children will learn and develop through these vital years. Nursery World's series of guides for settings to hand out to parents has been met with great enthusiasm, so we're sure you'll be keen to get your hands on the latest on creative development published this week. It will support you in promoting the message that this area of learning is about far more than taking home 'artwork' based on an identical template that means little to the child. There is still much work to be done in publicising the aims and rationale of the Foundation Stage - and not only to parents. Many nursery and reception teachers are facing a distinct lack of understanding from their colleagues and senior management teams about what they are trying to achieve through a play-based approach with a mix of teacher-and child-initiated activities. Perhaps two recent research projects into effective pedagogy in the early years will help to promote acceptance of good practice (see News, page 9).