WHY YOUNG LEARNERS GET A HEAD START

We round up some of the benefits to children joining a school at the age of three.

We all want to give our children the best possible start to their education, so could joining school pre-Reception be the answer?

“A lifelong love of learning takes root in the early years. We encourage children to be effective learners who not only engage in learning experiences, but also invest in them,” explained Catherine Dodds, Headteacher of the Froebelian School, Horsforth.

“Introducing children of three to a school environment instils a curiosity for learning which provides them with a head start and is the perfect springboard for their move to a reception class,” she said.

Here, Catherine runs through some of the potential benefits of joining school at three years old - from increased socialisation, exposure to greater diversity and an enthusiasm for lifelong learning.

Confidence: Positive interactions with other children and teachers promote a positive, secure view of themselves, allowing children to approach situations and problems confidently throughout their lives.

Socialisation: Interacting with people other than their family in a safe environment is essential from a young age. It helps children overcome shyness and gain self-confidence.

Co-operation: Learning how to share, cooperate, take turns and persevere within a safe learning environment, guided by professionals, is vital for the development. It can be especially important for first children, who may not be used to sharing with their siblings at home.

Holistic development:

Early childhood educators are trained in identifying areas where support is needed for each child and building programmes and activities around these. Peers are also extremely important in this regard, as pre-schoolers are usually helpful, cooperative and inclusive, so the experience is mutually beneficial for children.

Enthusiasm for

lifelong learning: Love of education takes root in preschool, and lessons should encourage children to be effective learners. While parents will always be the most important influence on a child’s early life, introducing them to a pre-school environment provides them with a new perspective on the importance of education.

Respect: Children learn to respect the world around them. This is not limited to people and belongings, but can also mean respect for their environment.

Resilience: Early childhood educators and parents need to work together to develop resilience in children as early as possible. By creating a consistent, secure and fair social environment, with clear expectations and boundaries, children can develop skills in managing themselves and their emotions.

Concentration: During pre-school years, children explore at every opportunity to discover new experiences, friends and environments. Early childhood educators balance this zest with the ability to listen, follow directions and participate in group activities to develop the critical life skill of concentration.

Exposure to diversity: Valuing difference and diversity is crucial to a child’s early development. It is important children understand everyone is unique and special in their own way with their own culture, beliefs and ethnicity. The Froebelian is one of Leeds’s leading independent preparatory schools for boys and girls aged three to eleven years. For more information on the school, please visit www.froebelian. com