Why learning from a young age can help your child to excel

UK Research shows that one in four children, particularly those from less affluent communities, still start primary school in England without the necessary language and communication skills.

The analysis, from the Early Intervention Foundation (EIF), also found that a fifth of children (approximately 40,000 girls and 82,000 boys) lack personal, social and emotional development by the age of four.

Reading to children from an early age helps to foster an interest in language and to encourage children to learn to read for themselves. Young children by nature enjoy learning if given sufficient practice of material that is just right for them.

During their early years, children will formulate their attitude to learning meaning it is vital their enthusiasm is encouraged and rewarded. Children who are supported in their learning will continue to be creative and adventurous learners later in life.

According to the rankings of global schools, commissioned by the OECD, UK schools sit in 20th place, trailing behind Asian countries. Top of the list today is Singapore, where, as late as the 1960s there were high levels of illiteracy, showing how much progress can be made.

Currently, 20% of pupils in England, Scotland and Wales leave school lacking basic skills in areas such as numeracy, while boys and girls achieve unequal results in subjects such as maths and science.

The figures, compiled by economists Eric Hanushek and Ludger Woessmann, are based on the international rankings of 15-year-olds using the Pisa test results across 76 countries.

Based on the results of these two studies, it is vital we nurture a future generation of students with a positive attitude to study and a thirst for learning. To do this, we must encourage learning from a young age.

Students of all ages and abilities are welcomed at Kumon study centres. Through our unique method, children are supported to reach an advanced level of study. By studying beyond the international standard for their age, children are best prepared to succeed in an increasingly global community.

In addition to developing academic ability, Kumon study fosters the mindset and skills for children to self-learn. Kumon students are encouraged to tackle work with a 'can-do' attitude, even if it is work they have not encountered before. This ensures that later in life, they face challenges in the same way, with confidence they will find the answer and their perseverance will pay off.