Sue Palmer suggested in her article that children should start school at six or seven to allow them to develop good communication skills before formal education (TES, January 23). I shared her opinion about the preparation for tests hindering progress.
Before Sats there was much more play in schools. Play is the tool for learning how we should live and work in society. Therefore rather than having a “rigorous pre-school curriculum”, perhaps a relaxed approach might be better where children could enjoy their first years for self-discovery and creativity through play. At least then by secondary age they will not have been completely turned off education.
Cindy Silvester 16 Wellington Road, Todmorden, Lancashire
