The main objective of education is the effective preparation of learners for life, citizenship and the world of work. It can be argued that the Foundation Phase is the most vital part of formal schooling as it is here that the fundamentals for reading, writing and mathematics are imparted which will carry learners successfully to matric and beyond. Teaching in the Foundation Phase goes far beyond the formal instruction of these subjects, however, as teachers are also tasked with supporting learners with behavioural, social and physical developmental milestones.

Teaching in the Foundation Phase focuses on contemporary strategies to assist teachers in becoming confident professionals in South Africa's diverse, multicultural classrooms. It also discusses the roles that Foundation Phase teachers have to fulfill, from carer to educator, in order to be fulfilled in their work and be considered competent teachers.