A report released today (Tuesday) by Institute of Health Equity reveals that 51.7% of children across England are not ready for school – with a good level of development – by the age of five.
Professor Sir Michael Marmot’s report looks at a variety of issues that could affect the health of the nation, from early development to GCSE results, and unemployment levels to healthy standards of living.
Figures for the Isle of Wight see the percentage drop to 45.1% of children ready for school by the age of five and just 33.8% of those who rely on free school meals ready.
“We need real action”
According to the report, being ready for school includes five year olds being able to listen to stories, pay attention, use the toilet and dress themselves, and having started to read, write and do simple sums.
Commenting, Professor Sir Michael Marmot, Director, UCL Institute of Health Equity said,
“We continue to fail our children. How can this still be happening? For three years the Institute of Health Equity has published evidence showing we are failing our children. It is unacceptable that only half of our five year olds are achieving a good level of development.
“The answer is not for Government to keep changing the measure. We need real action to improve the lives of families, support good parenting and improve access to good quality affordable early years services.
“The evidence is clear: we have to get it right at the start if individuals are to achieve the best possible health throughout their life.”
The report
Full details of all indicators can be seen in the document embedded below. Click on full screen icon to see larger version.
Image: riverofgod under CC BY 2.0
