Every year, the government publishes statistics that show how many children have reached a Good Level of Development (GLD) by the end of their Reception year.
Reaching a good level of development is important because it means a child has gained the early skills that will prepare them for starting school and help them thrive later in life. The government has set a target for 75% of all children reaching a GLD by 2028.
The latest figures show that in 2025/26 72.3% of children met the standard, the highest ever level, that's 7 in 10 children having the best start to their education. This means we are well on track to meet the target.
Here's what parents need to know.
How is it measured?
GLD is not an exam or test. Towards the end of Reception, teachers use what they have seen and learnt about a child throughout the year to assess whether they have met specific development goals. These are:
- Communication and language: listening, understanding what others are saying and expressing their own ideas.
- Personal, social and emotional development: managing their feelings, becoming more independent and building relationships.
- Physical development: developing movement and coordination, as well as the fine motor skills needed for things like drawing and writing.
- Literacy: understanding stories, beginning to read words and developing writing skills.
- Maths: understanding numbers, counting and recognising simple numerical patterns.
More details on what the goals are can be found here.
Why is it important?
The first five years of a child’s life are crucial. They lay the foundations for what comes next with 90% of a child's brain development taking place before the age of five.
Evidence shows that strong early development supports later learning and increases the likelihood of future success in school and beyond. Getting these foundations right can make a real difference to children's opportunities as they move through school and towards further education, training and work.
That is why the government set an ambition for 75% of five-year-olds to reach a Good Level of Development by 2028 so every child no matter their background or postcode has the best start in life.
What are we doing to help?
The government is supporting children and families from the earliest years by:
- Increasing access to early years education through expanded funded childcare, including 30 hours a week for eligible working parents from nine months old
- Rolling out Best Start Family Hubs to every local authority, where families can access support to help with their child’s development including early learning activities, speech and language support and help preparing for school
- Providing additional funding through the Early Years Pupil Premium to support children from disadvantaged backgrounds
- Strengthening training and support for early years professionals and Reception teachers so every child has access to high-quality teaching
What can parents do to help?
There are lots of things you can do at home to support your child’s development. Simple, everyday moments like chatting, playing and reading everyday can make a big difference. You don’t need to have special equipment or take extra time out of your day; there are plenty of fun ways to practice these skills in your daily routine.
Building these habits early can support their development and help them settle into school with confidence. The good news is you are probably doing more than you realise.
For more tips and ideas you can help your child’s development in and around the home, from pregnancy right through to starting school, visit beststartinlife.gov.uk.
Together, this is about helping more children build the skills they need to thrive at school and giving every child the best start in life, whatever their background or wherever they grow up.