Ready For School

Early Learning Goals

The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) has identified what are called "Early Learning Goals". You may find it helpful to know, in broad terms, what these targets are. They are what most children should reach by the end of their time in reception class:

can look after their own basic needs, such as dressing themselves and using the lavatory
are confident, eager to learn, ready to try new things
are very observant
get on well with other children and adults, taking turns, sharing and showing kindness and concern
beginning to understand what is right and wrong, and why
listen attentively to each other, to stories, nursery rhymes, etc.
talk, and ask questions, with growing fluency and a widening vocabulary, about their experiences, things they are finding out, their feelings
enjoy books and handle them carefully
know that we open books at the front, and read from left to right and from top to bottom
recognise, and write, their own names and some familiar words
recognise the letters of the alphabet and the sounds they stand for
begin to understand that we write for many different purposes
know and use words that describe shapes, size, quantity
know lots of number and counting songs, rhymes, games
recognise, and use, numbers to 10, as they play with and use everyday objects
are getting better at using their hands, to use different tools like scissors and paintbrushes
are getting better at things like climbing, jumping, throwing, catching
enjoy painting, singing, making music