Outlining plans in an interview with The Herald newspaper, Mr Henry said that all local authorities must review or start to review their P1 teaching policies by August.
'One of the things I am particularly concerned about is the tendency in Scotland to start the formal education process at too young an age,' he said. 'Children in P1 still need time to develop, and I want to see more of a gradual transition from the nursery years into primary education.'
Bronwen Cohen, chief executive of Children in Scotland, supported the move.
She said, 'It's good we're doing this in P1, but I wonder how this will fit in with early years provision where there's a more fragmented structure.
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