Children in England enter school at a far earlier age than their European counterparts:
Early Childhood Action rightly argues that four years of age is too young to expose
children to formally assessed, ‘school’ curriculum environments. With high quality
nursery education preceding it, a school starting age of at least sixyears would be far
more appropriate and, importantly, would raise the learning potential and positive
learning dispositions of young children. This is a foundational principle of Unhurried
Pathways; a curriculum and pedagogy which favours a nurturing, supportive and playful
approach to the early years, devoid of constant assessment, measurement and monitoring.
It is imperative that very young children are not labelled ‘failures’ (through premature
emphasis on unachievable goals) which not only puts pressure on children but on their
parents and practitioners too. This new curriculum and pedagogy approach respects all
children of whatever aptitude and background, and represents true equality across diverse
cultures, abilities and capabilities.