Early childhood and school readiness

Ofsted endorses the view that not enough is being done to support and encourage disadvantaged parents and that the cycle of deprivation needs to be broken with early education and childcare. Following comments by Chief Inspector Sir Michael Wilshaw and the publication of Ofsted`s annual report on early years, General Secretary Deborah Lawson – a former local authority childcare commissioning manager – said:

"Though early childhood is recognised world-wide as a crucial stage in its own right ministers and officials in England persist in viewing it simply as a preparation for school. The term `School readiness` is now dominating policy pronouncements, despite considerable criticisms from the sector. The role of play is being down-valued in England`s nurseries."

"I am also concerned that we are moving towards a lowering of the school starting age – changing the landscape of schools and the early years sector. While some countries in Europe don’t start formal education until six of seven, the plan for England seems to be to start formal testing and schooling at four or even younger."

"If children are in school rather than nursery, that would reduce the cost of childcare for the state and parents, but it wouldn’t necessarily be in the best interests of children."

http://www.voicetheunion.org.uk/index.cfm?cid=1258&page=1