By Justin Parkinson BBC News Online education staff in Cardiff

Jane Davidson stressed the distinctiveness of Welsh policy

The schools system in Wales must avoid becoming too "isolated or inward-thinking", the country's education minister has warned.

Jane Davidson said abolishing exam league tables for secondary schools and tests for seven year olds showed a "radical learning agenda".

A review of testing at ages 11 and 14 was also under way, indicating the system in Wales was "distinctive" from that of England.

But it was important to look at "best practice" from elsewhere, including England and the European Union.

"A small country like ours allows us to work in close partnership with each other. This is often our great strength," she told the National Association of Head Teachers' annual conference in Cardiff.

Our goals are to give every child a flying start; put the needs of learners first and raise standards across the board Welsh schools minister Jane Davidson

The minister said the Assembly Government would establish a new "foundation phase" for three to seven year olds, with pilot schemes starting in September.

At the same time, it would run pilots for free breakfasts in primary schools.

Meanwhile, the Welsh Baccalaureate had been recognised by Ucas, the body in charge of university entry.

However, school funding was a "matter of great concern to all head teachers at this time of year, in Wales and England".

Ms Davidson said she remained committed to "transparency" in school funding.

Cash boost

Ms Davidson also said �33m was being provided for the national workload agreement, which takes administrative tasks such as reading the register, photocopying and collecting school trip money out of teachers' hands.