Schools should avoid “prolonged staggered starts” for children who are about to start reception, according to new government guidance. The Department for Education has published advice on “getting children ready for reception” which is aimed to help primary school leaders, reception teachers and staff, and teachers working in early years settings improve the children’s transition to reception. As part of the guidance, it states that schools should “take care to avoid creating a ‘double transition’ through prolonged staggered starts or extended part time arrangements”. It says: “While often well intentioned, these approaches can increase uncertainty, disrupt the formation of secure attachments and delay the establishment of consistent routines. “This is particularly important for children moving from an early years setting into reception, who are often ready for a clear and confident step into full time school. “When attendance is delayed or inconsistent, this consistency can be undermined just as children are ready to settle.” Make home visits before September It adds that evidence from case study schools shows that settling in periods of up to …