The government has set a target , externalthat 75% of children leaving reception at five years old will have a “good level of development” by 2028. Last year 68% of children were at that level, so an extra 45,000 children a year are needed to reach that goal.
To achieve a “good” level of development, a child is assessed by teachers at the end of their reception year on tasks including dressing, going to the toilet, and paying attention in class.
Pepe Di’Iasio, of the Association of School and College Leaders, said reception teachers were “brilliant” at supporting young children but local services have been badly eroded over the past decade.
“It has left schools picking up the pieces,” he said. “Many children are starting school already several months behind their peers.”
Parenting charity Kindred Squared, external found that teachers are spending 2.5 hours a day helping children who haven’t hit developmental milestones instead of teaching.
They have written a set of guidelines for parents, external to check whether their child has the skills they need to begin school.
The Department for Education was approached for comment.