Cost-of-living crisis affecting child development

Many children aren’t ready for school when they start reception, and cost-of-living pressures are partly to blame.

According to a survey by Kindred Squared, teachers believe that one in three children weren’t school ready in September 2024.

That’s despite 90% of parents thinking their child was ready to start school at this time.

Among the problems observed by teachers are: 

• 36% of kids struggling to play and share with other children
• 34% not knowing how to listen or respond to simple instruction
• 25% not being toilet trained

Parents under financial strain

The survey suggests this is partly because of financial pressures on parents.

When asked why their children weren’t school ready in September, 51% of parents said it’s because they’re working longer hours to keep up with rising living costs.

As one reception teacher in the north-west said: “Parents are busy working and I don’t think they’re actually spending a lot of quality time with the children having those basic play skills and conversations.” 

Meanwhile, 42% of parents said the rising cost of childcare is a problem.

When asked what would help them make sure their child is ready for reception, 51% of parents said they want more affordable nurseries and childcare.

In addition, 38% said better availability of nurseries and childcare would help.

More than eight in ten teachers believe the cost-of-living crisis will significantly impact school readiness this year, and a similar number expect to see the same next year.

Too much screen time

While money is undoubtedly a key reason why many kids aren’t school ready, it’s not the only one.

More than half (54%) of teachers said they believe lots of children are behind when they start reception because they’re spending too much time on electronic devices.

In the words of one school leader in the East Midlands: “Let’s be fair… putting them on an iPad is an easy win. 

“The children like it. It doesn’t cost anything apart from the iPad. 

“The parents can’t afford for them to go out and experience the world as much as possibly [in] previous years.”

Lack of school readiness has long-term consequences 

Many primary school teachers are worried that not being ready to start reception could affect children later in life.

Eight in ten say they think not being school ready will impact a child’s long-term academic attainment.

And almost two-thirds believe it will affect their success in the future.

Help for parents is available

If you’re a parent and you’re struggling with expenses such as childcare costs, then we can help.

We offer free and impartial money advice and can help you with:

•    finding out what benefits you’re entitled to
•    working out a household budget
•    finding the right debt solutions (some are free, while others have a fee)

All of our debt advice is free and impartial, and you can access it online 24/7 or over the phone during our office hours - 0161 518 8285.