CBSE announces rule changes for foundational education; check for more details

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced that it is adopting the National Curriculum Framework for Foundation Stage 2022 from the 2023-24 academic session.

In an official notification, CBSE stated that the "NCFFS 2022 has been developed by the NCERT as per the mandate of the National Education Policy 2020 to outline the competencies and learning outcomes, general principles and approaches that should guide teaching and learning at the foundational stage. It serves as a guideline for schools and teachers to design and develop curricula, syllabi, and teaching materials that align with the national educational goals."

Under the new framework, the CBSE will also enforce the new structure of a five-year education at the foundational stage, which would take place from nursery to class two and it will be introduced in 2023-24 session in the schools that offer education at the foundational stage to students within the age group of 3-8 years.

Health


Classrooms

In addition to existing CBSE norms regarding classrooms, for Foundation Stage shall be:

• On the ground or first floor of a building.
• Properly ventilated, with proper light, clean, sanitary and dry.
• Fitted with shielded electric lights/ bulb to prevent glare.
• Classroom furniture free from sharp concrete edges, preferably rounded corners.
• Furniture may also be portable.
• All concrete floors used by children shall be covered with a safe and smooth material.
• Any special assistive device needed for CWSN.
• Non-toxic paints and materials should be used.
• Suggested Learning Corners for the classrooms for dramatic play, blocks/ puzzles, maths, arts/ drawing and books. should preferably have IT enabled equipment for TLM transactions.
• Play area for the entire school (Class Balvatika (Pre School) To class VIII/X/XII)
• Minimum 10,000 sq. ft (929 sq mt) open playground.
• Play area shall be easily reachable to the classroom and toilet facilities. It shall be free of hazards (Sharp edges, Stable play equipment/apparatus, well drained, and enclosed by safe fencing) in the vicinity of Balvatika (pre-school) classes wing.

This size of sport ground is required for the whole school.

The playground should be at least 10,000 sqft and the area should be easily reachable from the classroom and toilet. Schools have been told that for admission to the first year of Balvatika, they cannot admit a child younger than three years.

Schools are also required to adopt and adapt the NCF-FS 2022 and make use of the Jadui Pitara, a collection of teaching and learning material prepared by NCERT. Staff and teachers dealing with pre-school must also undergo sensitisation on Protection Of Children from Sexual Offences Act.

All schools applying for fresh affiliation and extension beyond April 2023 will have to submit a self-assessment under the School Quality Assessment and Assurance framework, prepared by CBSE to catalyze transformational change in its schools.