Supporting Early Years Educators and Children: A Response to the New “School-Readiness” Skills Announcement 

By Mark Botha, CEO of Shaping Lives 

This week, a significant milestone was reached for early years education in England with the announcement of a new set of “school-readiness” skills, developed by a coalition of early years educators and endorsed by the Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson. This new guidance is intended to support parents and carers as they prepare children for their first year of school, starting in reception classes at age four. 

At Shaping Lives, we understand how critical the early years setting is in preparing children for the transition to school. Research shows that children who receive strong support during these formative years are more likely to achieve greater academic success and develop stronger social-emotional skills as they grow.  The skills and resilience they develop early on can have a long-lasting and positive impact, shaping their entire future. That’s why we welcome the new guidance as an important step forward—helping parents feel more informed, confident and empowered as they prepare their children for school. 

However, while we celebrate the impact the new guidance will have for parents, we must also recognise the additional responsibilities it places on early years providers. Early years educators are already working incredibly hard to support children’s development and guide them through the early stages of learning. They’re often the first to spot children who may need extra support, and their role is key in ensuring every child is ready to make the most of their first year of school. 

That said, the new school-readiness targets, though valuable, could put even more pressure on an already stretched sector. Meeting these guidelines will come at a cost—particularly when it comes to staff time and resources. For example, the new requirement to teach children basic life skills like tooth-brushing and using cutlery adds an extra layer of responsibility to the already a demanding role of early years educators. 

While we fully support the goals behind this initiative, we also urge that it be accompanied by increased government funding. Increased funding for nurseries is vital to ensure they can continue providing high-quality education without facing financial strain. The early years sector already faces a number of challenges, and additional funding will be essential to ensure that the sector can meet these evolving demands without compromising the quality of care and education provided to young children. 

Equally important is the need for specialised training and professional development for those working in the early years sector. As new guidelines and expectations of early years education evolve, it is essential that our workforce is equipped with the right skills and knowledge to meet these challenges head-on. A motivated, well-trained team is essential to delivering the best outcomes for children. That’s why at Shaping Lives, we’re committed to providing top-tier apprenticeships that give educators the tools, knowledge, and confidence to thrive in this ever-changing landscape. 

The introduction of these “school-readiness” skills is a positive and necessary step forward in supporting young children and their families. However, to ensure continued success in the early years sector, these initiatives must be backed by the right resources, funding, and professional development opportunities. Only then can we ensure that every child receives the care and education they deserve during these critical early years. 

At Shaping Lives, we are dedicated to helping early years educators meet the evolving demands of the sector and equipping them with the skills they need to make a real difference in the lives of the children they teach. 

You can find the full list of ‘school-readiness’ skills here: new list of “school-readiness” skills 

If you’re ready to support the next generation of early years educators and ensure your team is equipped for the future, get in touch with us today. Complete our quick enquiry form, email us at hello@shapinglives.co.uk for a no-obligation training needs analysis, or visit our website to discover how we can help you meet the evolving demands of early childhood education. 

Let’s shape tomorrow, today.