Headteachers: children becoming less prepared for primary school
A report has called for steps to be taken to ensure children beginning primary school are better prepared to commence formal schooling.
The National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) and the Family and Childcare Trust have conducted a survey showing that 86 percent of school leaders are concerned that children's school readiness is worse than it was five years ago, with almost one-quarter saying that more than half their intake was not ready for school.
Communication skills and physical development issues emerged among the top concerns in this respect, with speech, language and communication problems identified as a cause for worry by 97 percent of respondents.
When asked about why these issues may be emerging, 67 percent said more needs to be done to identify and support youngsters with additional needs early enough, while 66 percent said it may be to do with parents lacking the resources necessary to prepare their children for the start of primary school.
As such, the report urged decision-makers to offer greater local health and early years educational support to families, in order to make sure that potentially vulnerable young children are not beginning their education at a disadvantage.
Ellen Broome, chief executive of the Family and Childcare Trust, said: "There is strong evidence that early education can help to boost children's outcomes and narrows the gap between disadvantaged children and their peers - but only if it is high-quality.
"The government must make sure that every child can access high-quality early education and that parents can get the right support to help them to give their children the best start in life."
Sign up to posts
Related jobs
Salary
£95 - 110 per day
Location free text
Sheffield
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
Less than £100 per day
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Sheffield
Description
Job Title: Level 3 Qualified Nursery Teaching Assistant Location: S10 and surrounding areas Working Hours: Between 08:00 and 18:00, depending on the needs of the setting Start Date: Immediate and ongo
Reference
JWEYFSS10
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Sheffield SouthAuthor
Sheffield SouthSalary
£90 - 110 per day
Location free text
Sheffield
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
£10 - £19 per hour
£20 - £29 per hour
Sector
Early Years
Location
Sheffield
Description
Nursery Teaching Assistant / Early Years PractitionerLocation: Various Locations Available Hours: Flexible shifts available between 08:00 and 18:00. Opportunities include full-day, morning, afternoon,
Reference
EYFS - 03/06
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Sheffield SouthAuthor
Sheffield SouthSalary
£130 - 200 per day
Location free text
Hull
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
£200 - £299 per day
Sector
Early Years
Location
Hull
Description
EYFS TeacherTeaching Personnel is seeking to appoint an experienced and dedicated EYFS Teacher to join our partner primary schools in York. We welcome applications from both full-time and part-time ca
Reference
EYFS teacher Hull
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Salary
£130 - 200 per day
Location free text
York
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
£200 - £299 per day
Sector
Teacher
Location
York
Description
EYFS TeacherTeaching Personnel is seeking to appoint an experienced and dedicated EYFS Teacher to join our partner primary schools in York. We welcome applications from both full-time and part-time ca
Reference
EYFS Teacher York
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Salary
£95 - 110 per day
Location free text
Sheffield
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
Less than £100 per day
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Early Years
Location
Sheffield
Description
Job Title: Level 3 Qualified Nursery Teaching Assistant Location: S12 and surrounding areas Working Hours: Between 08:00 and 18:00, depending on the needs of the setting Start Date: Immediate and ongo
Reference
JWEYFSTA03/06
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Sheffield SouthAuthor
Sheffield SouthSalary
£145 - 165 per day
Location free text
Ferryhill
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Early Years
Location
Durham
Description
Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Teacher Location: Ferryhill, County Durham Contract: Full-Time Start Date: September 2026Nurture Young Minds and Inspire a Love of Learning We are seeking an enth
Reference
ABT4
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Tyne Tees PrimaryAuthor
Tyne Tees PrimarySalary
£14.25 - 15.00 per hour
Location free text
Liverpool
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Early Years
Location
Liverpool
Description
Nursery Practitioner – L5 (Anfield)Are you passionate about providing quality care and education to young children? Do you have a nurturing and supportive nature? If so, we have an exciting opportunit
Reference
Nurs Prac *2023203
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Liverpool Primary
Author
Liverpool PrimarySalary
£95 - 105 per day
Location free text
Bedford
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
Less than £100 per day
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Bedford
Description
Early Years Teaching Assistant Bedford Start: September 2026 Full Time Academic Year Role £95 – £105 per day PAYEA friendly and inclusive primary school in Bedford is looking to appoint an Early Years
Reference
KO EYS Ad
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Northants & Counties PrimaryAuthor
Northants & Counties PrimarySalary
£14.25 - 15.00 per hour
Location free text
Lancaster
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Lancashire
Description
Early Years Teaching Assistant (EYFS) – Lancaster & Surrounding Areas Start date: September 2026 | Full-time & part-time opportunities availableAre you passionate about supporting little learners
Reference
KH4362
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Lancashire North PrimaryAuthor
Lancashire North PrimarySalary
£120 - 160 per day
Location free text
Sheffield
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Teacher
Location
Sheffield
Description
EYFS Teacher – Primary Schools | SheffieldTeaching Personnel are currently seeking enthusiastic and nurturing EYFS Teachers to work across a range of primary schools in Sheffield. We have both short-t
Reference
JH2054
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Sheffield NorthAuthor
Sheffield NorthRelated posts
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD05YY
Summary
Exams are one of the most stressful times in the academic year, and it isn’t only pupils who feel the pressure. For teaching assistants (TAs) and support staff, exam season brings new expectations
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD05YY
Summary
If you’re considering taking the next step in education, you’re not alone. More teachers and support staff are exploring permanent roles that offer stability, progression, and a sense of belonging
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
People & CultureContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD05YY
Summary
As Teaching Personnel marks 30 years, Danielle shares her experience of building a career with the company over the past 11 years. She's completed an apprenticeship, managed a branch and w
Teaser
People & CultureContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD04YY
Summary
Patrick highlights a decade of his work as Teaching Personnel celebrates a milestone of 10 years.He's built relationships with schools and his own management style to successfully run a branch
Teaser
People & CultureContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD04YY
Summary
As Teaching Personnel celebrates 30 years, we hear from Senior Branch Manager, Hannah James, who reflects on her time with us these past 11 years. The impact we have on our schools and educat
Teaser
People & CultureContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD04YY
Summary
As Teaching Personnel marks 30 years, Vicky shares her experience of building a career with the company over the past 11 years.She joined as a trainee recruitment consultant and has become an
Teaser
People & CultureContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD04YY
Summary
As we celebrate 30 years of making difference, get to know Rebecca who has worked at Teaching Personnel for nearly a decade. Being able to support schools and help place the right educators
Teaser
People & CultureContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD04YY
Summary
As Teaching Personnel celebrates its 30-year anniversary, Jenny reflects on a decade of working at Teaching Personnel.From starting as a teaching assistant to overseeing multiple branches, her
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD04YY
Summary
Gemma joined the Future Teachers Programme shortly after graduating. Now in a permanent teaching position, she reflects on how the programme shaped her classroom experience and supp
Teaser
People & CultureContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD04YY
Summary
Discover Ben Whittle’s role and find out about his impact within the Future Teachers Programme Read more How long have you been with Teaching Personnel and where are
Register with us
for work in schools across England & Wales
Register today
Recent job