Young children having accidents, OMG shock horror... NOT. And a lovely bundt marble cake

So there is an article in the papers stating that the minister for schools is shocked that some children start primary school but still have accidents and wet themselves! Has he never met a 4 year old child?
 I quote "Teachers have to spend months ‘socialising’ children when they start primary school in how eat, mix with other pupils and go to the toilet, an education minister has warned.

Growing numbers of youngsters start school aged four with ‘very challenging social skills’, Lord Nash said.

Eight in 10 staff at nurseries and primary schools say they have had to deal with children who have wet or soiled themselves."

So let me get this straight and have a little rant at the same time. Does dear Lord Nash expect 4 year olds starting school to go straight into their Maths, English and science education, because of course, at that age, they WILL take everything they learn in, and probably sit reading coursework books for hours on end....

Oh hang on a minute.... yes, thats right, they are 4 year old children. My guess is that they learn best through playing, and getting to know the other children they're playing with.  They are not expected to start school knowing when they can talk, when to be quiet, when to say they need the loo and when to say they are hungry. One of the main jobs of a reception teacher is indeed to teach the children social skills. That, in my opinion, is one of the most important life skills, above, science, maths and English. 4 year olds don't usually come from a background where they are stuck with 29 other 4 year olds all day every day, unless they've been at full time nursery, but that is still different from a school environment. 

Reception class is about bringing these children together, teaching them each how individual they are but how they can get along together, play together, and conform to instruction. They are taught about meal times and how they should behave, as at home, its a little different when I'm feeding my two children, to being a school where 200 children need feeding.

And with regards to wetting themselves, well, who can honestly say now, as an adult, when you've been laughing so hard, you can't stop, a little bit of pee might come out? Anyone who denies that hasn't had a life! 

My daughter had accidents in Reception, and one or two in year 1 too. Its called having too much fun and getting to the loo a little too late. Plus, Reception in her school have spare knickers with fairies on, which are so nice, all the kids want to bring a pair home!

Lord Nash, take a long hard look at yourself, go and stand in the corner, but don't forget to rush to the toilet if you need to go. I'd hate to see you having an accident on your naughty spot! YOU FOOL

Rant over!

Here's cake...