A Better Start report: School readiness

Published

15 Jan 2026

Read an Insight Report on early years and supporting better outcomes for young children, from across five A Better Start partnerships around the UK.

School readiness Insight Report

In England, school readiness is assessed using the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, which evaluates children’s development across key learning goals. The evidence from A Better Start (ABS) partnerships suggests a broader, more holistic view of children’s development is beneficial. This view sees school readiness as a journey from conception to reception, shaped by children’s experiences, environments, and relationships.

An infographic that illustrates the 12 goals of school readiness as defined by the EYFS framework

Drawing on over 90 pieces of evidence from ABS partnerships in Blackpool, Bradford, Lambeth, Nottingham and Southend, this report uses the UNICEF model of school readiness to explore three interrelated dimensions of school readiness:

  1. Children’s readiness for school
  2. Schools’ readiness for children
  3. Families and communities’ readiness for school
A Venn diagram showing three overlapping areas: the child, school, and families and comunities

Case studies on school readiness

Sixteen ABS projects are included in the report as case studies for how each dimension of school readiness was supported by ABS. Key findings include:

  • Children’s readiness was enhanced through outdoor play, nature-based learning, music and storytelling. These activities supported emotional regulation, communication, physical development and curiosity.
  • Schools’ readiness was fostered through improved collaboration between
    early years settings and schools, joint training, and summer transition
    activities. Practitioners benefited from long-term, personalised support and peer networks.
  • Families’ and communities’ readiness was strengthened by building trusted relationships with practitioners, improving the home learning environment and providing culturally appropriate resources. Programmes tailored to individual needs helped parents gain confidence in supporting their children’s development.

The report highlights the importance of engaging parents, using community spaces, and offering flexible, inclusive services to holistically support children. It also underscores the value of play-based learning and the need to move beyond narrow assessments of school readiness.

Download a PDF of the report

Access the A Better Start school readiness best practice guide