In response to the government's recent push to increase school readiness rates, it’s crucial that we remind ourselves of a fundamental truth that often gets lost in the noise: Play is the most important thing a child can do in their early years.

In her recent speech, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson argued that the UK is failing to deliver on school readiness, claiming that only two-thirds of children are ready by the time they enter Reception. Here are our professional views on what school readiness should look like.