Making the transition to school can be so overwhelming and a real upheaval for some children (and their families), if they are not physically or emotionally ready to conform to the expectations placed upon them. Yes, they may be able to count to 20, write their name and even recognise a few words, but how does this prepare them for the reality that is entering the schooling system, and all that that brings? So many physical and emotional skills and attributes are needed as a foundation to being truly ready to learn.
To achieve this, we must ensure that children have plentiful opportunities to be active, access fresh air and spend time in natural environments. We need to enable them to celebrate diversity, build their confidence through experiencing the arts and being creative, alongside adults who understand and care about them. So yes…children need to read, write and know how to count in order to have the best opportunities as adults, but I believe all these things and more will arise when the priority is placed on children’s physical and mental wellbeing as an indicator that they are ready for school.