Dr Ger Graus: Early Years Must Prepare Children for Life, Not Just School

Speaking to Nursery World at the National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) conference, global education adviser Dr Ger Graus has sparked debate by arguing that early years education must be understood as preparation for life, not merely as a prelude to formal schooling. Dr Graus described the prevailing narrative that positions early years solely as "school readiness" as "an insult," highlighting how this narrow definition undervalues the critical role of childcare and nursery provision in supporting holistic child development from birth to age five. The comments challenge policymakers and practitioners to reconsider how we define success in early years settings. Rather than focusing narrowly on academic preparedness or transitioning to reception, Dr Graus advocates for an approach that nurtures the broader skills, resilience, and wellbeing that children need to thrive throughout their lives. This perspective aligns with growing recognition that the Early Years Foundation Stage should prioritise emotional development, social skills, and curiosity alongside early literacy and numeracy. For local authorities and cabinet members responsible for early years provision, this intervention raises important questions about inspection frameworks, funding priorities, and the messages sent to parents and providers. As family hubs and children's centres evolve to support the government's Start for Life agenda, ensuring that "life readiness" remains central to strategy—rather than simply pushing for earlier academic outcomes—could reshape how communities support children during their most formative years.