Dame Clare Tickell's recommendations in the EYFS review are welcome, particularly the ones relating to universal early years checks.

Observations of children in primary schools over the past ten years have revealed a consistent picture - a significant percentage of children entering formal school without the physical skills necessary to sit still, manipulate a writing instrument and support reading, writing and concentration. These skills are nurtured in the early years in an environment that provides space and opportunity for physical play, conversation, singing, dancing, and being read to daily. I agree that developing these skills and working on literacy are not mutually exclusive, but a love of literacy arises from having the tools in terms of physical competency and the language ability to use it.

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