Children are arriving at school still wearing nappies, using buggies, and struggling to communicate effectively with their peers, as revealed by Anne Longfield, the former children’s commissioner for England. Longfield highlighted that many young children are being “held back” due to a lack of necessary support to enhance their “school readiness.” The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated developmental issues in early years, particularly for vulnerable children, according to a report from the Centre for Young Lives think tank and the Child of the North.
The report indicated that around a third of children were considered not “school ready” in the academic year 2022/23, signalling a concerning trend. It called attention to a “crisis” in preschool provision and urged the Government to implement positive parenting programmes and home visits by trained professionals to offer more support to families. Longfield expressed concern over reports from school staff about children entering Reception still in nappies, reliant on buggies, and struggling with communication and socialization skills.
The widening language gap between children from different socio-economic backgrounds since the pandemic poses a significant risk to a whole generation of young individuals, the report warned. Schools and nurseries have expressed high levels of unease regarding speech and language issues, with a notable number of children not meeting age-related expectations at the end of Reception. Research based on Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) data in England suggested a disparity in school readiness, with only 52% of Free School Meal (FSM) eligible children deemed “school ready” compared to 72% of non-FSM eligible pupils.
The postcode lottery of school readiness is evident, with disparities ranging from 59% in Manchester to 84% in London. Children identified as not ready for school are more prone to chronic absenteeism and are at a higher risk of becoming NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) by ages 16-17, as per recent analysis. Calls have been made for the Government to take action to prevent adverse long-term effects on children’s lives by addressing issues with spoken language, literacy, and numeracy.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson recently underscored the importance of early years education, announcing additional childcare places in school-based nurseries from the following year to support the expansion of Government-funded childcare. The commitment to establishing 300 new state nurseries presents an opportunity to address developmental challenges by offering early years support and combating poverty through childcare assistance for working parents.
Experts such as Judy Clegg, a professor of speech and language therapy, emphasised the necessity of urgent intervention to provide adequate support for children to develop essential communication skills. The need for increased funding in health and early years education, along with enhanced speech and language therapy services, was highlighted to ensure every child can thrive in the learning environment. School leaders’ union NAHT’s general secretary, Paul Whiteman, stressed the pivotal role of quality early years education in bridging the gap between children from different backgrounds.
A Government source acknowledged the challenges reported in the education sector and expressed a commitment to rectifying the situation through initiatives such as expanding nursery provision and enhancing accessibility to childcare. The focus remains on rebuilding foundational support and addressing issues of child poverty effectively to secure a better future for young learners. The importance of rebuilding crucial support services to provide early intervention for young children was also emphasised.
In conclusion, the spotlight on children arriving at school unprepared underscores the pressing need for comprehensive support mechanisms to enhance school readiness and address developmental challenges effectively. The dialogue surrounding early years education and the associated issues is crucial for shaping a brighter future for the upcoming generation.