The Prime Minister’s “Plan for Change” includes a goal for 75% of five-year-olds in England to be “ready to learn” when they start school and to “strengthen and join up family services to improve support through pregnancy and early childhood”. The government’s renewed focus on the early years is welcome, but to achieve these ambitious aims, it will need to provide clarity on their targets, significantly rebuild the workforce, and commit to funding a comprehensive family support programme.
Scale of the challenge
First, the government has no hope of achieving this goal without providing greater clarity over what it means. Most parents will think it means being “ready for school” on the first day, yet the government’s definition equates to the end of reception. Similarly, what does “ready” actually mean? Parents need straightforward information. Confusion over the scale of the challenge, will only serve to undermine progress. The government along with parents and the sector must work in harmony.
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