Today marks a significant milestone for families across the nation as primary school place offers are made to millions of parents and carers.
This day, filled with excitement and perhaps a little anxiety, signifies the next big step in a young child’s life. However, this pivotal moment also brings into sharp focus the increasingly pressing issue of school readiness and the crucial role it plays in ensuring every child can thrive from their very first day in Reception.
This is, arguably, the most important equality issue in society because so many of the economic and social gaps in later life stem from these early years.
School readiness has become a growing concern, highlighted by research indicating a significant disparity between parental perceptions and the reality faced by teachers.
Children starting school unprepared
The vast majority of parents believe their child is prepared for school, yet Reception staff consistently tell us that around a third of children are starting school without the solid developmental foundations - such as the ability to dress or feed themselves independently - they’d expect to observe by this age.
This worrying gap in understanding between teachers and parents underscores the urgency of addressing this challenge.
The consequences of children starting school unprepared are far-reaching. Children left behind before they begin school will be running uphill from then on, at risk of being locked out of opportunity.
This not only limits the individual child’s potential but also places a considerable strain on primary school budgets, leadership and professional teams tasked with closing a significant development gap. The failure to invest in early years is costing the taxpayer billions in later years.
Recognising the critical need to ensure more children are ready to embark on their school journey lies behind a new Starting Reception definition launched this year.
A unique collaboration of leading experts, education and care providers and parenting groups has come together for the first time to set out in clear terms the sorts of skills children should be practising as they prepare to start school.
There are links to a wealth of clear, practical advice for parents and carers who might be struggling or for those concerned that their child has additional needs.
The aim is to both recognise that children are individuals on their own learning journeys, while also developing a shared understanding that has been lacking for too long, allowing for better, early communication of individual needs.
The new website and resources have the backing of education secretary Bridget Phillipson, who has said giving every child the best start in life is a top priority.
The government has made raising the percentage of children who are deemed “school ready” one of its key Plan for Change pledges.
Sector-wide collaboration
The importance of this initiative lies in its core recognition that parents are a child’s first educators.
Developing the communication, physical, social and emotional skills and independence to start school doesn’t happen overnight; we’re all learners from birth and the journey to school is rooted in the loving interactions and attachments from birth.
But parents need encouragement and access to the best resources available. The efforts of high-quality nurseries and childminders are invaluable, but they cannot alone ensure a child is fully prepared for school.
This sector-wide collaborative effort is a practical tool for all the important adults in a child’s life and we urge early years professionals to get onto the website, make it their own and share it with parents and colleagues.
We believe it’s another step towards prioritising early years development and recognising the importance of families, schools and the government working together to lay a strong foundation for every child’s future success.
Felicity Gillespie is director of Kindred Squared
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