Starting School at Four: A Joint Endeavour Book

This book highlights issues concerning the child's first year in school and considers the needs of four-year-olds. The author does not advocate the admission of four-year-olds to school, but accepts that admission to mainstream school is a reality for many children of this age.The author sets out the basics of good educational practice for the under-fives, considers the factors which support that practice, and suggests that these factors are an essential requirement for the future education of all under-fives.The curriculum for four-year-olds is not mandatory, and able and well qualified early years practitioners are responsible for its content and methodology. However, the author argues that quality provision for the first year in school can be properly secured only if all sectors of the school community are committed to the principles and related practices, and clear about their roles and responsibilities in helping to achieve it. Relevant research and survey findings are linked to suggested practical activities for headteachers, governors, parents, teachers, teaching assistants and pre-school groups.Read More