A new collaborative text edited by Dr Viki Veale, senior lecturer in Early Years and Primary Education at St Mary’s University, Twickenham and Kerrie Lee, University of Hull, challenges and redefines ‘school readiness’. School Readiness Matters: Embedded and Threaded Transition emphasises the importance of a relational, inclusive and developmentally appropriate approach to early years transitions.
This powerful publication, created collaboratively by Together and Committed to Young Children (TACTYC), Early Childhood Studies Degrees Network (ECSDN), and Reception Class Teacher Network (RCTN), the book challenges the check-list style view of school readiness. Instead, it reframes it as a process rooted in connection, continuity, and care in supporting young children.
As growing concerns emerge over the narrowing definitions of school readiness in policy and practice, School Readiness Matters invites a fresh dialogue. Presenting real-life case studies, research-informed guidance, and practitioner perspectives to support embedded and threaded transitions that honour each child's unique journey.
This timely and essential text brings together the voices of educators, academics, and early years advocates to explore what it truly means to support children through the vital transition into school-based settings.
Dr Viki Veale said: “Reception classes are liminal spaces: Early Years settings physically located in Primary Schools. Increasing pressure to formalise practice in this crucial year group has impacted children’s learning and development. We came together to create a text which invites educators and policymakers to reconsider what we mean by ‘school readiness’ and how we support transition at this exciting stage of children’s educational adventure’
School Readiness Matters is an essential read for early childhood educators, school leaders, policymakers, and all those working to ensure that children are not simply ready for school, but that schools are ready for children. Available from 18th June 2025.
Available at: https://www.tactyc.org.uk/school-readiness-matters