Scottish children currently start school at the age of four or five years old. Child welfare played no part in plumping for a school age of 4 or 5. Evidence suggests a premature start at school is linked to social, emotional and mental health problems as children are forced into formal learning – and failing – because they simply aren’t ready. Many primary one teachers joined the Upstart campaign because they felt horrified by the impact formal learning is having on four and five-year-olds in their care – but contracts stop them from speaking out. Are Scottish parents really so conservative and blind to the real needs of children that they’d oppose such a change?

Source: The Herald August 29, 2022 04:54 UTC