There have been several headlines over the last few weeks highlighting the rise in the number of children starting school without the skills in place to allow them to fully flourish and develop once they’re there.
A recent study by Child of the North and the Centre for Young Lives found that in 2022-23, a third of children were not considered ‘school ready’. And that many children were starting school still in nappies and without the necessary levels of speech, language and communication skills to effectively learn or socialise with other children. This has longer term impacts with on children’s ability to reach developmental and learning milestones. It can also impact school attendance as years go on.
They also found that: “Early support boosts children’s cognitive development and academic outcomes, improving literacy, speech and language skills.”
Home-Start Newark, with the support of the Domlal Foundation, is working closely with local families to help get under-fives ready to start nursery and school. Their specialist Step Up For School service provides information and support to families on toilet training, speech, language and communication, family routines, motor skill development and more. They provide a community outreach service across Newark, Ollerton, Boughton and Bilsthorpe. And their volunteer visitors provide this service to families in their own homes.
Their Family Group service provides a range of fun learning-through-play activities which helps families boost their school readiness.
Kay Davidge, the Step Up For School Coordinator said: “We are still seeing the results of the pandemic and the cost of living crisis in the families we support. Families want information and support around getting their children ready for school and nursery and we are responding to this vital need in our community.”
Home-Start Newark are recruiting now for Home Visiting Volunteers, Family Group Volunteers and Trustees, and are accepting referrals for support. You can get in touch with them on 01636 705011 or info@homestartnewark.co.uk, or find them on Facebook and Instagram.