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
£90 - 100 per day
Location free text
Brent
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
Less than £100 per day
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Early Years
Location
Brent
Description
We are seeking a passionate and dedicated Level 3 Early Years Educator (or DfE-recognised equivalent qualification) to join our friendly and supportive team. This is an exciting opportunity for an e
Reference
Leve;l 3 EYFS TA
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
West London Secondary & SENAuthor
West London Secondary & SENSalary
£14.25 - 15.50 per hour
Location free text
Blackburn
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Early Years
Location
Blackburn
Description
Nursery Practitioner – Primary School Nursery Blackburn Start Date: September 2026 Full-Time | Term Time OnlyAre you a qualified Nursery Practitioner looking for a rewarding role within a primary sc
Reference
Nursery Practitioner
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Lancashire East PrimaryAuthor
Lancashire East PrimarySalary
£120 - 160 per day
Location free text
Leyland
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Teacher
Location
Leyland
Description
We are working closely with a number of welcoming and supportive primary schools across Leyland and surrounding areas who are looking to secure EYFS Teachers for Nursery and Reception roles.There is
Reference
EYFS Teachers PR25
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Lancashire Central PrimaryAuthor
Lancashire Central PrimarySalary
£120 - 160 per day
Location free text
Southport
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Teacher
Location
Merseyside
Description
We are working closely with a number of welcoming and supportive primary schools across Southport and surrounding areas who are looking to secure EYFS Teachers for Nursery and Reception roles.There
Reference
EYFS Teachers
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Lancashire Central PrimaryAuthor
Lancashire Central PrimarySalary
£95 - 110 per day
Location free text
Croydon
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
Less than £100 per day
Sector
Early Years
Location
Croydon
Description
Nursery Assistant – CroydonLocation: Croydon, South London Position: Nursery Assistant Contract Type: Full-Time / Part-Time Opportunities Available Salary: Competitive rates of pay Agency: Teaching Pe
Reference
Nursery Staff
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Wimbledon BranchAuthor
Wimbledon BranchSalary
£14.25 - 14.25 per hour
Location free text
Swansea
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Early Years
Location
Swansea
Description
Flying Start Practitioner – Early Years Swansea Full-Time and Part Time Roles Available | Term Time Only £14.25 per hour Are you passionate about giving children the best possible start in life? Do y
Reference
606EYP
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Swansea PrimaryAuthor
Swansea PrimarySalary
£160 - 170 per day
Location free text
Watford
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
£200 - £299 per day
Sector
Early Years
Location
Watford
Description
Primary School Teachers Needed (EYFS, KS1 & KS2)Location: Watford & Hemel HempsteadStart Date: September 2026Pay Rate: £160 – £170 per day (Depending on experience)Contract Type: Full-Time / Part-Time
Reference
242566 COR
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Northants & Counties SENAuthor
Northants & Counties SENSalary
£21,568 - 28,857 per year
Location free text
Reading
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£20,000 - £29,999
Sector
Early Years
Location
Reading
Description
Early Years Practitioner – Primary School Location: Reading, Berkshire Employer: Teaching Personnel Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience Contract Type: Full-Time / Part-Time Opportunities Avai
Reference
Early Years -PS
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Thames Valley PrimaryAuthor
Thames Valley PrimarySalary
£95 - 105 per day
Location free text
Darlington
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
Less than £100 per day
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Darlington
Description
Nursery Teaching Assistant – Darlington Recruiting on behalf of Teaching PersonnelTeaching Personnel, the UK’s leading education recruitment agency, is currently seeking a Nursery Teaching Assistant t
Reference
EYFSTA5
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Tyne Tees PrimaryAuthor
Tyne Tees PrimarySalary
£124.23 - 137.31 per day
Location free text
Huntingdon
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Early Years
Location
Huntingdon
Description
Job Description Teaching Assistant (Unqualified, Level 1–3 & HLTA)Employment Type: Full-timeLocation: Huntingdon and surrounding areas The Role We are seeking enthusiastic and committed Teachi
Reference
EYFS12/06/26
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Cambridge PrimaryAuthor
Cambridge PrimaryRelated 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 a choice of classroom roles
Register today
Recent job