Government tells parents to ensure children are toilet trained and school-ready via rap
The government guidance comes after teachers warned that more than one in three children are starting reception not ready for school
Parents should ensure their children are toilet trained before starting school, with the government advice dished out via the medium of rap.
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The guidance for weary parents, contained within a bespoke rap, sees the government suggest their children should know how to wash their hands, use the toilet and share toys before starting school.
Released by rapper MC Grammar in collaboration with the Department for Education (DoE), the song comes amid concerns that many children are starting Reception unprepared for school.
Getting dressed and learning how to listen properly are other skills the government suggests could be instilled through rapping, according to the government.
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MC Grammar - otherwise known as Jacob Mitchell - who collaborated with the government to create the advice rap, said: “As a former teacher and a dad with children already at school – and one starting next year – I know how much practising simple skills early can boost confidence when it’s time to start Reception.
“With our new Steps For School song, we’re giving families a fun, memorable way to build those everyday skills that will help set children up for a smooth start in September.”
The Department of Education has even teamed up with rapper and former teacher MC Grammar to develop a bespoke rap for the purpose, called Steps For School.
Minister for early education, Olivia Bailey, suggested the rap was a "practical" way to get children prepared for starting school.
It comes after teachers warned that more than one in three (37%) children are starting reception not ready for school.
The rap, which was developed using Government and NHS-approved guidance, is part of the Best Start in Life campaign.
It comes as part of a government push to get more children “school ready”, meaning they have hit certain developmental milestones like being able to go to the toilet, eat by themselves, dress independently and have basic language skills.
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One in four children starting reception in 2025 were not toilet trained, with a similar number unable to eat and drink indecently, according to a survey of teachers by early years charity Kindred Squared in January.
Olivia Bailey, minister for early education, said: “Starting school is a huge milestone – for children and parents. I remember getting my own children ready for their first day, excited and hoping they’d walk through the door feeling confident.
“From the moment families receive their school place, they should feel supported with simple, practical ways to help their child build confidence, independence and the skills they need for the classroom.
“By bringing schools, nurseries, childminders, and families closer together, we can make sure every child gets off to a strong start – arriving at school feeling settled and ready to learn.”
The Government has set a target for 75% of children to be school ready by 2028. In the latest Department for Education figures, 68.3% of children were judged to have a good level of development by the end of reception in 2024/25 – slightly up from the previous year.