Crucial early years lays the foundation for the future

More than half of five-year-old boys are struggling in the basics after a year at primary school, official figures show.

Some 53.1% of boys this age are struggling with skills such as reading and writing, and emotional and social development.

In comparison, 34.9% of girls are failing to reach this target - a gender gap of 18.2 percentage points.

The findings are based on teachers' observations of pupils.

"Too many children starting school without the solid foundation they need to succeed. In particular, we're concerned that boys continue to lag behind girls even before they start school, especially in writing."

"Every child, regardless of gender, background or social status, should get the right help and support in the crucial early years of their lives so they can thrive at school." A spokesman for the Department for Education in UK said.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-12009209