Children across Southend have achieved the city's strongest ever Early Years Foundation Stage Profile results, with 74.9% of Reception-age children reaching a Good Level of Development in 2025/26.
The result marks a significant improvement from previous years and means Southend is now performing above the national average, placing the city among the top-performing local authorities in the country for early years outcomes.
Around 121 more children achieved a Good Level of Development compared with the previous year, reflecting the impact of the support provided to schools, families and early years settings across the city.
Particularly encouraging progress has been seen among key groups of children, including those with English as an Additional Language, children receiving SEN (Special Educational Needs) Support, and those eligible for benefit-related Free School Meals, with outcomes exceeding regional and national averages in several areas.
The results follow a year of targeted support, training and partnership working across Southend's education and early years sectors, helping children develop the skills they need to thrive as they begin their school journey.
Cllr Chris Webster, Cabinet Member for Technology, Learning and Customer Services, said: “This is fantastic news for children and families across Southend and a wonderful achievement for everyone who has played a part in helping our youngest children get the best possible start.
"To see 74.9% of our Foundation Stage children achieving a Good Level of Development - our strongest result ever and above the national average - is something the whole city can be proud of. Behind that figure are hundreds of individual children who have made important progress in their learning and development.
"These results are a real testament to the commitment and hard work of our teachers, early years practitioners, schools, settings and families. They also demonstrate what can be achieved when we work together, share good practice and provide the right support at the right time.
"I am particularly pleased to see the progress being made among children who can sometimes face additional barriers to achieving their potential. Making sure every child has the opportunity to thrive is at the heart of our approach to learning in Southend.
As a city, we should celebrate this achievement, but we must also use it as a platform for further improvement. Our ambition is to build on this success and ensure that every child has the strong foundations, confidence and opportunities they need to go on to succeed throughout their education.”
Cllr Mandy O'Connor, Cabinet Member for Children and SEND, said: “It is particularly encouraging to see the strong progress among children receiving SEN Support and other groups who may face additional barriers. These results show the importance of working together to ensure every child, whatever their needs or circumstances, has the opportunity to achieve and thrive.”
The council and its partners will continue to build on this success through ongoing investment in early years support, ensuring that every child in Southend has the opportunity to learn, thrive and succeed.
Parents and carers of children due to start primary school in September 2027 are reminded that applications for Reception places are now open. Applying on time gives families the best chance of securing a place at one of their preferred schools. Full details, including how to apply and key deadlines, are available at Primary school admissions.
Families with children from pregnancy through to age 19 (or up to 25 for young people with SEND) can also access a wide range of support through Southend's Best Start Family Hubs. Based across the city, the hubs offer services including parenting support, child development advice, health services, activities for families and help with school readiness, ensuring children get the best possible start in life.