New report highlights inconsistencies in reception education standards
Analysis from schools regulator Ofsted has shed light on inconsistencies in the quality of reception-level education that need to be addressed.
As part of a wider review of the curriculum in England, the regulator found that around one-third of all five-year-olds are not receiving the standard of reception education they require, while nearly half of disadvantaged children are failing to meet expected levels of development at this important early stage.
The report indicated that the best reception schools encourage children to learn to read quickly and easily, to enjoy listening to stories, to learn poems and rhymes by heart and gain an understanding of numbers through practical activities, as well as developing their personal, social and emotional skills through play.
Headteachers surveyed as part of the report indicated that newly-qualified teachers are often not well prepared to teach reading, writing or basic maths in reception, while issues were also raised about the benefits of the Early Years Foundation Stage Profile.
To address these issues, Ofsted is recommending that more needs to be done to put reading at the heart of the reception curriculum, with a focus on developing children's spoken language and phonics, as well as making sure that children sit at tables when they learn to write.
It was also proposed that the profile of early mathematics teaching needs to be raised, with the Department for Education called upon to make a similar investment in this area as that seen in the teaching of phonics.
Chief inspector Amanda Spielman said: "The best schools know how to design their curriculum so that children's learning and development sets them up well for the rest of their schooling.
"Reception should not just be a repeat of what children learned in their nursery or pre-school, or with their childminder. They deserve better than facing years of catching up."
Sign up to posts
Related jobs
Salary
£14.25 - 17.00 per hour
Location free text
Woking
Job Type
Part Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Surrey
Description
Level 3 Early Years Practitioner | Woking Part time | Flexible shifts between the hours of 8:00am - 6:00pm Competitive Salary | Based on experience and qualificationsAre you a passionate and quali
Reference
l3 eyp woking--
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Thames Valley South SEN
Author
Thames Valley South SENSalary
£14.25 - 17.00 per hour
Location free text
Woking
Job Type
Part Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Early Years
Location
Surrey
Description
Experienced Nursery Practitioners Needed Full-Time | Part-Time | Temporary | Flexible HoursTeaching Personnel are currently recruiting experienced and passionate Nursery Practitioners to join our grow
Reference
EYP Woking
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Thames Valley PrimaryAuthor
Thames Valley PrimarySalary
£92.63 - 105.00 per day
Location free text
Newport
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
Less than £100 per day
£100 - £199 per day
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Newport
Description
Primary Teaching Assistant – KS1 & EYFSNewport (NP19) | £92.63 per day | Full-Time | December/January start Are you a caring and enthusiastic Teaching Assistant looking for your next opportunity?Teach
Reference
EYTA - NP19
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Newport PrimaryAuthor
Newport PrimarySalary
£93 - 110 per day
Location free text
Bedford
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
Less than £100 per day
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Bedford
Description
Early Years Teaching AssistantBedford Start: ASAP – flexible Full Time – 5 days per week Long-Term Role £93 – £110 per day PAYE (depending on experience)A welcoming primary school in Bedford is seekin
Reference
Bed EYS TA
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Northants & Counties PrimaryAuthor
Northants & Counties PrimarySalary
£23k - 250k per year
Location free text
Hounslow
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£20,000 - £29,999
Sector
Early Years
Location
Hounslow
Description
EYFS Teacher | Primary School | Hounslow A welcoming and inclusive primary school is seeking an enthusiastic EYFS Teacher to join their Early Years team. This is a fantastic opportunity for a passi
Reference
433
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
West London PrimaryAuthor
West London PrimarySalary
£14.25 - 17.00 per hour
Location free text
Woking
Job Type
Part Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Early Years
Location
Surrey
Description
Level 3 Early Years Practitioner | Woking Part time | Flexible shifts between the hours of 8:00am - 6:00pm Competitive Salary | Based on experience and qualificationsAre you a passionate and quali
Reference
L3 EYP Woking-
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Thames Valley South SEN
Author
Thames Valley South SENSalary
£14.25 - 15.00 per hour
Location free text
Blackpool
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Blackpool
Description
EYFS Teaching Assistant (Reception Class) Location: Blackpool Start Date: January 2027 ⏰ Contract: Full-Time, Term Time Only Salary: Competitive, dependent on experienceEYFS Teaching Assistant Requi
Reference
KH7820
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Lancashire North PrimaryAuthor
Lancashire North PrimarySalary
£14.25 - 15.00 per hour
Location free text
Lancaster
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Early Years
Location
Lancashire
Description
EYFS Teaching Assistant Location: Lancaster Start Date: January 2027 Contract: Full-Time, Term Time Only Salary: Competitive, dependent on experienceAre you passionate about supporting young child
Reference
KH0369
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Lancashire North PrimaryAuthor
Lancashire North PrimarySalary
£174.61 - 228.33 per day
Location free text
Crosby
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£20,000 - £29,999
£30,000 - £39,999
£40,000 - £49,999
Sector
Teacher
Location
Merseyside
Description
Are you an Early Years practitioner with a passion for giving children the very best start to their education?A Crosby based Catholic Primary School is seeking a Nursery Teacher to join its thriving E
Reference
CROUUEGEB28333
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Liverpool Primary
Author
Liverpool PrimarySalary
£14.25 - 15.50 per hour
Location free text
Barnoldswick
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Lancashire
Description
EYFS Teaching Assistants Needed - BB18 & Surrounding Areas Start Your Next Role in Early Years with Teaching PersonnelAre you a passionate and nurturing Level 2 or Level 3 qualified Teaching Assi
Reference
EYFS TA BB18
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Lancashire East PrimaryAuthor
Lancashire East PrimaryRelated posts
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD10YY
Summary
October marks Black History Month in the UK, giving schools an opportunity to celebrate the achievements, contributions and experiences of Black communities while encouraging meaningful conversati
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD10YY
Summary
As ADHD Awareness Month shines a spotlight on neurodiversity, Teaching Personnel's Ellen shares her experience of being diagnosed with ADHD later in life and how greater awareness and understandi
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD09YY
Summary
As we celebrate National Teaching Assistants' Day 2026, we're delighted to recognise the incredible individuals who have been selected as our Teaching Assistant of the Year winners.This year,
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD09YY
Summary
After a well-earned summer break, schools across the UK are opening their doors once again for a new academic year. Whether you're returning to a familiar classroom or starting a new role, Septemb
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD08YY
Summary
As schools and trusts prepare for changes to the way temporary staff are sourced from September 2026, many will look to work more closely with framework-approved recruitment partners. Understandin
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD07YY
Summary
Summer has only just started, and September might seem a long way off, but it will be here sooner than you think. Schools and trusts are already planning for September, with new opportunities open
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
Education NewsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD06YY
Summary
As schools and trusts prepare for September 2026, the shift from CCS (Crown Commercial Service) to the new GCA (Government Commercial Agency) framework marks a significant change in how supply sta
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD06YY
Summary
When schools wind down for the holidays, nurseries keep open. Many early-years settings remain open throughout the summer. Nurseries rely on skilled, caring staff to help children and
by
Adam Davies
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
Register with us
for work in schools across England & Wales
Register today
Recent job