Children in Milton Keynes among best prepared for school in the country, data shows
Children in Milton Keynes are among the best prepared for school in the country, according to new data from the Department for Education.
The data places the city in the top ten per cent of local authorities in England for early years development, while Milton Keynes also ranks third out of 19 authorities in the south-east for children’s school readiness.
In Milton Keynes, 76.4 per cent of five-year-olds achieved a ‘Good Level of Development’, which measures 12 learning goals across communication, literacy, mathematics, communication and language, physical development and social and emotional development.
These figures are above the current national average of 72.3 per cent, and above the Government ambition for 75 per cent of children to reach this standard by 2028.
Cabinet member for children and young people at Milton Keynes City Council Cllr Peter Cannon said: “It's fantastic to see these excellent results formally confirmed by the Department for Education.
“Being ranked third in the south-east and among the top-performing councils in England reflects the hard work of families, schools and preschools, nurseries, childminders and our early years teams, all working together to give children the best possible start in life.
“We know that children who are ready for school are more likely to thrive academically, build positive relationships and develop the confidence they need to succeed.
“We'll continue investing in services that help every child in Milton Keynes reach their full potential."
The council says it has invested heavily in its early years support through its own family centres, children’s libraries, targeted language programmes, and work with nurseries, pre-schools and childminders.
Of eligible two-year-olds across the city, 83 per cent are now accessing funded early education places, significantly above the national average.