No structured learning for pre-schoolers parents say

A survey of 500 UK parents finds a real fatigue developing against too much structured learning during the preschool years.

According to findings by Jo Jingles, 65 per cent of parents think pre-schoolers should be learning through play opportunities instead of heavily structured learning.

Going a step further, 17 per cent of parents don’t want their children taking part in any formal learning before starting school.

Only 8 per cent staunchly believed that children should be able to read and write before starting in reception.

Spokesperson for Jo Jingles, Caroline Crabbe said it was important to remember that children learned in different ways and paces.

She said: “These are interesting but not necessarily surprising.  They simply reinforce what parents believe is important for a balanced childhood, playtime and an engaging ‘softer’ learning environment where children learn receptively and willingly.  Imposing a greater structure or more formal learning processes on very young children doesn’t usually bring results and may even hinder development in some cases.”