Early years: Girls still performing better than boys

Seventy-two per cent of children in England achieved a ‘good level of development’ by the age of five, according to the EYFS Profile which is based on teachers' observations of pupils.

However, there is still concern that nearly a third (eight per cent) are not achieving this result.

The latest figures published in the early years foundation stage profile results 2018 to 2019 show the gender gap has again reduced this year however girls are still performing better than boys. The proportion of girls achieving at least the expected level was 77.6 per cent compared to boys at 64.0 per cent.

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Children are assessed against 17 early learning goals where the child’s profile includes whether they are below, at or above these goals – known as emerging, expected or exceeding the level expected by the end of reception year.

Purnima Tanuku, chief executive of National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) said: “It’s good news that children’s overall development has improved since last year, which is testament to the high-quality provision that private, voluntary and independent nurseries deliver to the majority of children in England.

“But we are worried that the gap between the lowest performing children and their peers continues to widen. The reduced number of two-year-olds from disadvantaged backgrounds receiving funded places and the higher numbers of nursery closures in deprived areas will not be helping this situation. High-quality nurseries must be supported to be sustainable in all areas, but especially in those where the majority of children only access funded hours. This must mean that funding has to reflect increasing staffing and business costs."

She added: “Research shows that children who attend high-quality nurseries have better communication and social skills too, so the government must invest sufficiently in childcare to make sure that early years education is accessible for all children.”

‘It is concerning to see that the progress that has been made over recent years is beginning to stall'

The gap for the lowest attaining rose to nearly 33 per cent in 2019 compared to nearly 32 per cent last year, however, this has reduced from 36.6 per cent in 2013.

Neil Leitch, chief executive of the Early Years Alliance, said: “It is undoubtedly positive that the majority of young children are progressing well by the end of the Early Years Foundation Stage.

"That said, the fact remains that nearly a third are still not achieving a ‘good level of development at the end of reception, and it is concerning to see that the progress that has been made over recent years is beginning to stall.

“All children, regardless of background, deserve the best possible start in life and government must recognise that adequate investment is crucial in supporting providers to make this possible."

To access the report click here