Article: Schools' curriculum Article Body The new Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum introduced in draft by the DfE in 2006 provides guidance for early education and learning and is the first stage of the National Curriculum. It focuses on the distinct needs of children aged 0 to 5, or the end of the reception year, in primary schools. The Early Years Foundation Stage provides an outline for practitioners working across this age range in, for example pre-schools, children's centres, childminder networks, nursery and reception classes and private day nurseries. The school curriculum comprises all learning and other experiences that each school provides for its pupils. The National Curriculum is an important element of the school curriculum. There are four main purposes of the National Curriculum: to establish an entitlement to establish standards to promote continuity and coherence to promote public understanding. The National Curriculum caters for four key stages within a pupil's life: Key Stage 1: age 5 - 7 Key Stage 2: age 7 - 11 Key Stage 3: age 11 - 14 Key Stage 4: age 14 - 16 Information about the new primary curriculum, which becomes statutory in 2011, is available from the National Curriculum website (primary). There is a wide range of learning routes for young people aged 11-19, including academic, vocational and work-based learning pathways, and combinations of all three, such as the Young Apprenticeship Scheme. Schools, colleges and other training providers are working collaboratively to provide a wide range of accredited programmes for the 14 - 19 group, including GCSEs, GNVQs, BTec, functional maths, English and ICT, personal development and citizenship. Information about the statutory secondary curriculum is available from the National Curriculum website (secondary). The Learner Entitlement, which all Barnsley schools and training providers have signed up to, will ensure that young people have opportunities for interesting, challenging and enjoyable learning which suits their needs. Information about the National Curriculum is available from the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority website. Information about the curriculum in Barnsley schools is available from the websites for individual schools. Related links Department for Education Ofsted National College for School Leadership NationalCurriculum for England Qualifications and Curriculum Authority How to contact us Lifelong Learning, Achievement and Enterprise Services Directorate for Children, Young People and Families Postal address: PO Box 634, Barnsley, S70 9GG Telephone: 01226 281961 Monday to Thursday from 8.30am to 5.00pm and Fridays from 8.30am to 4.30pm. An answering service is available. Email: admin-principaladvisoryteam@barnsley.gov.uk Qualifications and Curriculum Authority 83 Piccadilly London W1J 8QA Telephone: 020 7509 5555