The Minister of Education launches the National Curriculum Framework for the Foundation Stage

Addressing the ceremony, the minister noted that today is a significant day for the fulfillment of NEP’s tasks. “Primary, Preparatory, Intermediate and Secondary are the four NCF levels for school education. The development of the framework was one of the most important and difficult aspects of NEP-2020, as it is of great importance for shaping the future of our country.”

Pradhan added that this new facility will help equip young people with 21st century cognitive and language skills. “NCERT should make this NCF publicly available, share it with SCERTs and all stakeholders involved in early childhood care and development.”

“The National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020) is transforming education in India. This has put our education system on a path to provide the highest quality education for all, equity and inclusion. Among the most transformative aspects of NEP 2020 is the new 5+3+3+4 curriculum structure, which integrates pre-school care and education for all children between the ages of 3 and 8. Early childhood lays the foundation for lifelong learning and development – ​​a key determinant of overall quality of life. This base is expected to provide the highest quality of basic education in all types of institutions in the country,” the Ministry of Education said in a press release.

As articulated in NEP 2020, the National Curriculum Framework for the Foundation Stage, ‘play’ is used to underpin conceptual, operational and transactional approaches to curriculum organisation, pedagogy, time and content management and the overall child experience.

“Children learn best through play, so the learning provided by the National Curriculum Framework will provide a stimulating experience for child development in all aspects – cognitive, social-emotional, physical, and will enable the achievement of basic literacy and numeracy for all our children. . NCF has an institutional focus, the importance of the home environment – ​​including family, extended family, neighbors and other members of the immediate community – cannot be overemphasized, all of which have a very significant impact on a child, especially in this age cohort. 3-8 years old. This NCF will address the role of teachers as well as parents and communities in ensuring and enhancing the developmental outcomes expected at this stage,” the ministry added.

Balvatika classes for students in the age groups of 3+, 4+ and 5+ are introduced across 49 Kendriya Vidyalayas. “With more than 85% of a child’s total brain development occurring before the age of 6, providing the right care to stimulate their brain and support their physical and emotional development is essential for every child. All these activities are aimed at achieving three developmental goals: maintaining good health and well-being, becoming effective communicators; and become engaged learners,” the ministry noted.