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 - 16.85 per hour
Location free text
Finchampstead
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Early Years
Location
Berkshire
Description
Level 3 Early Years Practitioner and/or Room Leader – Wokingham Are you a passionate and dedicated Early Years professional looking for your next opportunity? We are seeking a qualified Level 3 Early
Reference
L3 or Room Lead
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Thames Valley PrimaryAuthor
Thames Valley PrimarySalary
£92.63 - 100.00 per day
Location free text
Wigan
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
Less than £100 per day
£100 - £199 per day
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Early Years
Location
Wigan
Description
Nursery Practitioner Opportunities – Full & Part Time Wigan Area | Immediate Start AvailableTeaching Personnel are partnering with a well-established nursery setting in Wigan to recruit skilled Nurser
Reference
WIG EYFS OPS 1106
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Wigan and Warrington BranchAuthor
Wigan and Warrington BranchSalary
£90 - 110 per day
Location free text
West Wickham
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
Less than £100 per day
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Early Years
Location
Cambridgeshire
Description
Level 3 Nursery Nurse – Bromley Every day brings a new opportunity to shape a child’s future. If you are a dedicated Early Years professional, Teaching Personnel is currently recruiting for an inviti
Reference
Lvl 3 NN
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
London SENAuthor
London SENSalary
£14.25 - 15.00 per hour
Location free text
Garstang
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Early Years
Location
Lancashire
Description
Nursery Practitioner / Teaching Assistant Garstang, Lancashire Full-time / Part-time opportunities available Competitive daily rate (dependent on experience and qualifications)Teaching Personnel
Reference
KH5483
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Lancashire North PrimaryAuthor
Lancashire North PrimarySalary
£90 - 110 per day
Location free text
Woolwich
Job Type
Shift Working
Salary
Less than £100 per day
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Early Years
Location
Greater London
Description
Level 3 Nursery Nurse – Greenwich Imagine watching a child take their first confident steps toward learning, knowing you helped build that foundation. If you are passionate about Early Years educatio
Reference
L3 NN
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
London SENAuthor
London SENSalary
£14.25 - 15.00 per hour
Location free text
Runcorn
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Cheshire
Description
EYFS Teaching Assistant (Level 3+) – Nursery SettingRuncorn (WA7) Full-Time | September StartPay Rate: £14.25 - £15.00 per day (DOE)Teaching Personnel are working in partnership with a welcoming prima
Reference
TG - 100626
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Liverpool Primary
Author
Liverpool PrimarySalary
£80 - 100 per day
Location free text
Bournemouth
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Bournemouth
Description
I am seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Teaching Assistant to join our supportive and inclusive team. This rewarding role involves working closely with teachers and other professionals to support pu
Reference
JDHJMHJ
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Dorset SENAuthor
Dorset SENSalary
£80 - 100 per day
Location free text
Bournemouth
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Early Years
Location
Bournemouth
Description
The schools have places for full-time students aged between 5 and 19 years old. The sites include excellent facilities to support the personal care of students as well as a hydrotherapy room, sensory
Reference
JSDGHUJKM
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Dorset SENAuthor
Dorset SENSalary
£120 - 180 per day
Location free text
Sheffield
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Early Years
Location
Sheffield
Description
EYFS Teacher – S10 & Surrounding Areas Location: S10, Sheffield and surrounding areas Salary: Competitive daily rates / MPS & UPS equivalent Contract: Full-Time, Part-Time, Long-Term & Permanent Oppo
Reference
eyfsts10
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Sheffield SouthAuthor
Sheffield SouthSalary
£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
EYFS Teaching Assistant (Qualified) – S10 & Surrounding Areas Location: S10, Sheffield and surrounding areas Salary: Competitive daily rates, paid weekly Contract: Full-Time, Part-Time & Flexible Oppo
Reference
JWEYFS10/6
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Sheffield SouthAuthor
Sheffield SouthRelated 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