Half of five-year-olds fall short of expected EYFS standards

The results, published by the Department for Education, show that just 52 per cent of five-years-old achieved a good level of development.

Girls outperformed boys, with 60 per cent achieving a good level of development compared with 44 per cent of boys.

The figures are based on a new, simplified EYFS profile, which was introduced in September last year following an independent review by Dame Clare Tickell.

It assesses children as either emerging, expected or exceeding across 17 learning goals, which include reading, numbers, forming relationships and being imaginative.

The aim of the profile is to help Year 1 teachers plan a curriculum that meets the needs of all children.

The figures have prompted concern among early years professionals. Liz Bayram, chief executive of the Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years (Pacey), called for greater support for professionals in order to improve outcomes for children.

She said: “The vast majority of teachers, parents and childcare professionals believe that it’s important to balance more formal disciplines with supporting children to develop the social skills which are essential in preparing them for school.

“Having said that, there are areas of concern highlighted by these figures, particularly that only 52 per cent of children have achieved a good level of overall development.

“We need to do more to support childcare professionals, who are central in helping children to be both school-ready and life-ready too.”

Anne Longfield, chief executive of 4Children, stressed that focusing on early intervention would be key to help children reach the expected level of development.

She said: “These figures reaffirm the challenge that is faced to make sure that every child in the EYFS gets the best possible start and makes the progress they are entitled to make.

“We know that quality provision is the key to improving children’s outcomes, hence it is imperative that the most is made of the new two-year-old offer and focus of early intervention to ensure all children leave the EYFS with at least the expected level of development.”