'School-ready' checklist aims to help parents teach children basic skills

Toilet training and the ability to use cutlery are two key tests in a new list of "school readiness" skills developed by a coalition of early-years educators and endorsed by the education secretary, Bridget Phillipson.

- Richard Adams

The group said the guidance was the first of its type, intended to help parents prepare children starting in reception classes in England from the age of four. It comes after complaints from teachers of children arriving at school in nappies, lacking basic skills and unable to play with others.

The coalition involves groups from the state and private sectors, and includes the National Day Nurseries Association, the Early Years Alliance and the Confederation of School Trusts.