Parents urged to help children get 'school ready'

Parents are being asked to help get their children ready for school next year so they can manage everyday tasks such as using cutlery and going to the toilet.

East Riding of Yorkshire Council said only 71% of children who started school in the county in September had a "good" level of development.

The government wants 75% of children to be at that level nationally by 2028.

Councillor Victoria Aitken, cabinet member for children, families and education, said: "We know that all children develop at their own pace and some will need more help than others. We want families to know what school ready means and how they can support their child's journey to Reception to be as positive as possible."

Other skills include brushing their teeth twice a day, putting on their own coat and shoes and saying their own name.

Aiken added: "It isn't solely families' responsibility. Schools, early years settings, Family Help services and health visitors are all there to support children and their families during the early years and through the transition to primary school.

"Families can help their child by practising some of the key skills, helping to give your child confidence and independence and ultimately the best start to their school life."

The council encouraged parents of pre-school children to access advice and support through East Riding's Family Hubs "to help their child to be school ready for next September".

Children who can manage everyday tasks like dressing, eating, cleaning teeth and using the toilet, as well as showing early social and learning behaviours such as listening, talking, taking turns and playing with others, arrive at school ready to learn, the council said.

Councillor Victoria Aitken, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education said: "We know that all children develop at their own pace and that some will need more help than others.

"It isn't solely families' responsibility, schools, early years settings, Family Help services and health visitors are all there to support children and their families during the early years and through the transition to primary school.

"Families can help their child by practising some of the key skills, helping to give your child confidence and independence and ultimately the best start to their school life."

The council said some of the social, emotional and practical skills to help prepare children for school were:

• Using cutlery
• Being toilet trained
• Sharing toys and playing with others
• Drawing, painting and colouring
• Understanding feelings
• Brushing teeth twice a day
• Putting on their own coat and shoes
• Being familiar with books and talking about characters
• Saying their name
• Listening to simple instructions

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