and maths or personal, physical and social development – to have the best possible life chances.

But we have a plan to change that. We are committed to breaking the unfair link between background and opportunity for every child, and through our Plan for Change, we will work hand-in-hand with you, with early years educators and with schools to make sure tens of thousands more children – the biggest proportion since records began – start school ready to learn.

When visiting early years settings up and down the country, I get to meet so many of your clever, inquisitive, bubbly, thoughtful, funny little ones – as well as the early years educators entrusted to look after them when you can’ t.

They are often so proud to show the man in the suit their latest drawing, their latest favourite book or what they’ re having for lunch that day. And this confidence is testament to the dedication of parents and early educators alike, working tirelessly to prepare children for the huge life change that is going to school.

I know that delivering this change is the Education Secretary’ s number one priority. That’ s why we’ ve put such an emphasis on the early years and taken swift action to make sure children are learning and building skills much earlier.

Through our roll-out of government-funded childcare, continued investment in joined-up family services like Family Hubs and the Start for Life programme, and extension of early learning support, we are doing everything we can to offer the support you need to give your little one the best start in life. Preparing children for school is not straightforward. It can’ t happen in silos and can’ t be left at the reception classroom door. It’ s a commitment that has to be made in partnership, between government, parents, early educators and invaluable organisations like Parentkind, and I can’ t think of one that’ s more worth making. Over the last few years, events beyond your control haven’ t made that so easy. Family services should be accessible in every community, but this hasn’ t been the case for far too long.

A global pandemic kept us all in our homes and prevented that vital early socialising that children need, and many are still suffering with the legacy of lockdown.

In fact, according to government data, almost a third of children today aren’ t school-ready by age five, and don’ t have the skills needed – whether it be communication

And so, I’ m thrilled to introduce this wonderful resource to you. Throughout this guide you’ ll find a whole range of practical advice and expert insight to help you prepare your child for their next step.

Covering key topics from building independence to making friends, I have found the tips and tricks throughout both useful and fascinating, and I hope you will too.

Stephen Morgan Minister for Early Education

Photography: Stephen Morgan © House of Commons 4 PARENTKIND. ORG BE SCHOOL READY 2025