1. The Great Expectation Gap
What Parents Think vs. What Teachers See
📊 The Data:
- 44% of parents believe teaching kids to read isn’t their job
- 25% of children start school not toilet-trained
- 36% struggle to interact with peers
💡 What to Do:
✅ Take reading seriously – Even 10 minutes daily with picture books makes a difference
✅ Talk to future teachers – Attend orientation sessions to understand key expectations
✅ Start toilet training early – Use a reward chart (stickers work wonders!)
2. The Hidden Crisis: Screen Damage
📱 Teacher Reports:
- Kids try to “swipe” physical books like tablets
- Shorter attention spans than goldfish (thanks, YouTube!)
- Using inappropriate language from games/videos
🛑 Fix It Now:
⏰ Enforce screen limits – Max 1 hour/day of educational content
🎨 Swap screens for blocks, puzzles, or outdoor play
👀 Co-view – Watch shows together and discuss them
3. 3 Skills That Matter More Than ABCs
Teachers say these non-academic abilities make or break school success:
🚽 Toilet Independence
- Start at age 2-3
- Pro tip: Use “potty training pants” for easy pull-up/down
👂 Listening & Following Directions
- Practice with games: “Bring me the red block” → reward with high-fives
- Read interactive books (“Touch the cow! What does it say?”)
👫 Social Basics
- Arrange playdates to practice sharing
- Role-play: “What if someone takes your toy?”
4. Political Goals vs. Reality
🎯 UK’s 2028 Target: 75% school-ready kids (up from 68%)
📉 Current Reality: Declining social/motor skills due to:
- Less outdoor play
- More solo screen time
- Busy parents outsourcing “teaching” to daycare
Your Action Plan:
🗞️ Stay updated on local school policies
🤝 Join parent groups – Swap tips with others
Final Thought: Small Changes, Big Impact
School readiness isn’t about flash cards—it’s about:
✔ Consistency (daily reading/toilet routines)
✔ Real-world experiences (playgrounds > iPads)
✔ Partnership (parents + teachers working together)
💬 Did your child struggle with school readiness? What helped? Share below!
