The 10 skills a child must have by the time they start school

Every parent should be issued with a ten-point checklist of skills that their children must master before their first day at school.

Sir Michael Wilshaw warned that too many youngsters have been starting their education unable to use the toilet, follow simple instructions or even make themselves understood.

He said that while many parents ‘intuitively’ teach children vital skills, others fail to do so, condemning their offspring to struggle at school.

And he claimed that a list of ‘essential skills’ – such as sitting still, listening and understanding the words ‘no’ and ‘stop’ – would help parents ensure their children were equipped to start primary school classes. 



Are there other skills that you think should be added to this list?