Early years practitioners must view boys as they are, and not try to force them into a behaviour and learning model set by girls the same age, says Neil Farmer

Girls are continuing to outperform boys in every aspect of learning, as last year's Foundation Stage Profile (FSP) results again reminded us. Even in Physical and Creative Development, areas of learning where boys should feel confident and competent, the girls are making greater progress.

To help address the problem, the DCSF has now published Confident, capable and creative: supporting boys' achievement - Guidance for practitioners in the Early Years Foundation Stage, and it is important that practitioners take on board its recommendations. We have to respond now to help boys achieve their full potential. It has to be now, or we run the risk of producing a generation of disaffected boys unable to learn new skills, to empathise or to think imaginatively.

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included

  • Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month

  • Unlimited access to news and opinion

  • Email newsletter providing activity ideas, best practice and breaking news

Register

Already have an account? Sign in here