The term ‘school readiness’ has always been controversial. How many times have we heard it said that, instead, ‘school should be ready for the child’?
But new priorities have moved the conversation on. The Government has said it wants 75 per cent of children to be ‘school ready’ by 2028. Former debates around what ‘school readiness’ actually means – and shouldn't mean (for example, an end to play-based learning) – have changed in the face of recognition that many parents may think their child is ready for school but, in fact, they are not.
So right now we are seeing an interesting development with the launch of the Starting Reception website (News, 11 March). Created by early years charity Kindred2 and a coalition of sector organisations, charities and providers, this is designed to support and educate parents about the practical milestones that children need to reach in order to make a positive transition to school. For the first time there is a clear set of definitions – such as children being able to respond to their names, being able to use the toilet and being able to take turns and share toys.
With the backing of experts in the sector, it would perhaps be difficult to argue that this is about getting a four-year-old to do anything which is any way developmentally inappropriate. Meanwhile, the DfE is giving its ‘support’ – promoting the online resource on its social media channels. But will its support go further?
One could see this as yet another aspect of the Government's drive to place the early years focus on schools. Turn to page 6 for our Analysis, which reveals the challenges that PVI providers are facing as the Government rolls out its first wave of funding for school-based nurseries.
Do the policy dots join up? Read what Children's Minister Stephen Morgan has to say on page 29.
