Children in Walsall 'not learning basic life skills before school'

And now a council boss has said he will be writing to all parents with young children starting reception in the next academic year listing basic expectations of the new pupils.

Walsall Council's Chris Towe, portfolio holder for education and skills, says in a report due to go to the authority on Monday that he has been "concerned for some time" that children are starting school in the borough without the basic skills they need to begin their education.

Parents are now set to be told that their children will be expected to be able to do a variety of things – including going to the toilet independently and not be still wearing nappies, how to hold a pen and use a knife and fork correctly.

'Basic skills'

Councillor Towe said: “For some time now I have been concerned that children are beginning their school life without the basic skills they need to be educated.

“Many headteachers have informed me that children coming into reception are sometimes between two or three years behind where they should be.

“My intention is that every parent offered a place for their child into reception for the next academic year will receive a letter informing them of what will be expected for their child.

“I list below the following expectations which I believe are necessary: go to the toilet independently and be out of nappies/pull ups; listen to and re-tell a story, and turn the pages correctly; hold a pen/pencil correctly and write their name; hold a conversation with familiar adults and children, and answer questions; use a knife and fork; wash and dry their hands and face; dress themselves independently including doing up zips and putting on their shoes."

Concern over grades

Councillor Towe also said the town was performing below expected national standards for educational outcomes in all areas except phonics.

Key Stage 4 results were also a concern with many 16-year-olds leaving school without having made necessary progress in English and maths.

But he added that action plans including the setting up of schools-led partnerships were in place to drive improvements and standards across the borough.

He added: “Walsall is an ambitious local authority that wants to achieve excellence for all the children, young people and families in our borough.

“We are committed to ensuring that children have the best start in life and are safe from harm, happy and learning well.

“In order to achieve this the introduction of our ‘right for children’ vision sets out the need to ensure that we have the right children, in the right educational setting, getting the right support, at the right time.”

By Gurdip Thandi, Local Democracy Reporter