Ministers should be wary of “unintended consequences” after setting statutory targets for councils to boost “school readiness”. Nearly all councils will have to increase the proportion of reception-age pupils achieving a “good level of development” in the early years foundation stage by nine percentage points compared to 2024 levels. Nationwide, ministers believe they are on track for 75 per cent of these pupils to reach this goal by its deadline in 2028. Become a member for unlimited access to Schools Week Our members enjoy early access to exclusive content and in-depth articles before anyone else. Get expert journalism, experience fewer ads, and unlock a growing range of member benefits. subscribe If you have an account, please login. Sign in