Survey finds young children unprepared for first grade in UK

Children are arriving for full–time primary school lessons weak in language, literacy and communication because teachers are spending too little time on the three Rs in the early years of their education, according to a report by inspectors published March 6 in England. The survey, by Ofsted, the education standards watchdog, is the most comprehensive ever of three to five-year-olds in kindergarten. The report says that in one out of every three nursery and reception class settings standards in communication, language and literacy are lower than expected. The pupils—boys in particular—lack the confidence to speak or the ability to listen. Read more at The Independent online.