Tackling School Readiness and Inequality: How the Best Start in Life Strategy Aims to Close the Gap
The challenge: Too many children start behind
Every year, thousands of children in England begin school without the basic skills they need to succeed. According to the government’s strategy Giving Every Child the Best Start in Life, around one in three children are not “school-ready” when they reach Reception. That means many are behind in areas such as communication, language, physical development, and social skills.
These early gaps often reflect wider inequalities. Children growing up in disadvantaged communities, or with less access to early education and healthcare, are significantly more likely to fall behind.
The goal: 75% school readiness by 2028
To address this, the government has set a national mission: by 2028, 75% of children in England should reach a good level of development (GLD) by the end of the Early Years Foundation Stage. This is a 7% increase on current levels, and it represents a measurable, ambitious target—one that would benefit an additional 40,000 to 45,000 children every year.
Progress toward this goal will be monitored nationally and locally, with accountability frameworks introduced for local authorities. These will form part of new Best Start Plans co-produced with communities and early years professionals.
Starting earlier: Prevention over catch-up
Crucially, the strategy emphasises that tackling school readiness begins well before children enter formal education. The first 1,001 days of a child’s life – from conception to age two – are critical for brain development, attachment, and socialisation. Recognising this, the strategy takes a preventative approach.
Key elements include:
- Universal and targeted parenting support, accessible via Best Start Family Hubs
- Early identification and support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)
- Strengthened health visiting and speech and language services
- A new digital hub in the NHS App, helping families navigate support more easily
Joined-up local delivery
Local authorities will play a leading role in closing the school readiness gap. As part of the strategy, they are tasked with developing tailored Best Start Plans that respond to local needs, bring together services, and are informed by community voices.
The government will also support innovation through Test, Learn and Grow accelerator pilots, enabling areas to trial new delivery models and scale what works.
A collective responsibility
The strategy positions school readiness as a shared goal: not just for educators, but for health services, social care, local government, and the voluntary sector. By aligning national policy with local delivery and professional expertise, it seeks to create a more equitable system from the ground up.
The investment in early years, backed by £1.5 billion over three years is a recognition that getting it right early means better outcomes later. With the right support, all children can start school with the confidence and foundation they need to thrive.
Helping children start school ready to learn means having the right professionals in place early – from skilled early years staff to SEND specialists and trained support workers. At Supply Desk, we work with schools and settings to provide consistent, high-quality staffing that supports early intervention and inclusive learning.
If your school is working towards stronger school readiness outcomes – or you’re an educator passionate about making an impact in the early years – we’d love to support you. Let’s talk about how we can help you meet your Best Start goals.