Nursery World - Sally Goddard Blythe: 'Why introducing screening and movement programmes in school would help child development'

With many children starting school lacking in self-care skills, the value of introducing a screening and movement programme in schools is clear, says Sally Goddard Blythe

Sally Goddard Blythe: 'The assessment of children’s physical skills at key stages in development and the introduction of regular sensory-movement programmes into schools is a practical way of helping all children to learn'

A recent report from the early years charity Kindred 2 based on teacher reports, suggests that nearly half of children are not developmentally ready for Reception.

Much of the focus of the report is on self-care skills such as being unable to eat independently, use the toilet, or communicate clearly – but despite teachers reporting significant inadequacy in these skills, nearly nine in ten of the parents interviewed believe their children are ready to start school.

Teachers also identified parents spending more time on electronic devices than being actively engaged with their children, not reading to their children, and children spending less time in nursery during lockdown as being contributory factors. However, a more long term review of the literature suggests that this growing problem may be multifactorial and is not as new as it seems.

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