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Commenting on the Ofsted's 'Bold Beginnings' report, Neil Leitch, chief executive of the Pre-school Learning Alliance, said:

“We have long argued that the principles of the EYFS should be extended further up into primary education, rather than the principles of Key Stage 1 being extended down into the early years. As such, although we know that this shift is one that has been led by the Department for Education, it’s disappointing that this report focuses so heavily on aligning the reception year with Key Stage 1, and the narrow skills of literacy and mathematics.

“While both skills are of course vital for early development, research has shown that a focus on them over and above broader skills such as physical development, and personal, social and emotional development, is likely to be detrimental to children’s early learning experiences. As such, we urge both the government and Ofsted to work with early years experts to ensure that the reception year is focused on all the skills that children will need during their primary years, and throughout their longer educational journeys.”

ENDS

ABOUT THE ALLIANCE

• The Pre-school Learning Alliance is the largest voluntary sector provider of quality affordable childcare and education in England.

• Through direct provision and its membership of 14,000 nurseries, sessional pre-schools and parent and toddler groups, the Alliance supports over 800,000 children and their families in England. The Alliance also develops and runs family learning programmes, offers information and advice, runs acclaimed training and accreditation programmes and campaigns to influence early years policy and practice.