UK school readiness and student adjustment challenges

A survey by the charity Kindred Squared reveals that nearly one-third of children starting school in the West Midlands last year were not fully toilet-trained, with 42% of those entering reception deemed not school-ready by staff. In response, a new potty-training scheme providing resources and professional training is being rolled out in Solihull, following a successful pilot in York that reduced the number of non-toilet-trained children by nearly half.

Separately, parenting experts are highlighting the difficulties children face when transitioning from summer holidays back to classroom routines. Matt Buttery, CEO of Triple P UK and Ireland, noted that the shift from freedom to structure can cause mixed emotions and unsettled sleep. Tiffnie Harris of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) advises parents to use settling-in evenings and tutor meetings to constructively discuss concerns with schools if a child appears to be struggling.