The concept of “school readiness” in the proposed new EYFS perturbs many early-years experts.

If the requirements for being ready for school are measured by a child’s confidence, self-esteem, motivation to explore and discover - all attitudes that will flourish with loving, rich early-years experiences - then the term is acceptable. If the readiness is to be measured by a child’s ability to engage with formal, teacher-dominated non-creative activities and learning and we impose these on young children in order to get them ready for school, then we are doing them a great disservice.

Marie-Louise Charlton, Independent early-years consultant, Waterfoot, Rossendale, Lancashire.