A report by the education watchdog Ofsted warns that children are finding the transition from reception classes to year one classes difficult and too abrupt.

It also says that formal lessons are introduced too early and creative learning activities are being squeezed out of the curriculum.

What do you think about the methods of teaching in British schools? Are children too young when they start to learn in a formal environment? Send us your views.

This debate is now closed. Read your comments below.

The following comments reflect the balance of opinion we have received so far.

Maybe we should recognise that some children are capable of learning at faster rates than others and use the reception year as a testing ground for that theory. Why hold back those that are capable and want to learn for those that are less able?
Steve, London, UK

Maybe the school day could be made shorter for under 8's say 9.00am - 1.00pm Karen, Lancashire

My son is 6 years old (second yr at school). I agree with Lin UK, the amount of homework that he gets is ridiculous - when is he supposed to play and fit in all the physical activity he is supposed to do to ensure he doesn't become obese (which is being drummed into parents at the moment - what next?!). Maybe it would be an idea to making the school day shorter for under 8's say 9.00 - 1.00pm so that they get the best of both worlds. This would also help with the cost of childcare as many people are charged by either a morning session or afternoon session.
Karen, Lancashire

My three year-old is at nursery school and although he insists that he does nothing all day except 'play outside' it's evident that he's learning quite a lot. Sounds like the balance is about right to me.
Lorraine, St Albans, UK

I fear in this country we are too obsessed with teaching academic subjects to children and ignore social/physical/mental well being. Whilst Finland doesn't start formal education until 7, they have structured play before that age. This encourages the children to social and learn life skills prior to formal academic education. Therefore when they do start formal academic education they already have strong foundations in place. Unfortunately in this country all we appear to want to know is how many key words do they know at each age. My local primary school has decided to do away with the afternoon break for children in favour of greater emphasis on teaching. No doubt these children will do better at the various key stage test but what damage to the physical health and social skills?
David Brown, Stockport. England

If you could see the incredible progress in reading the 30 children in my daughter's reception class have made in just two terms, you would not question whether they are ready to learn at five. The kids love it and more than 80% are responding to the school's move to formalise lessons as the summer term progresses to make the Year One transition easier. That leaves the teacher and classroom assistant free to concentrate on those who need more help to make the change.
Jen, Coventry, UK

I think children should start to learn even earlier than they already do. In France children start school very early and it doesn't do them any harm. If children spend the first 5 years of their life doing whatever they like and are then suddenly told that they have to do what a teacher tells them it's not surprising they're not interested. If they start earlier they'll see learning as a normal part of their day, not something they're being forced to do.
Richard W, Worcester, UK

Lets not undermine our education system further Mia, North East, UK

Lets not undermine our education system further. In fact, lets support earlier learning in the informal environment by teaching parents the benefits and indeed the how's of fun teaching at home. Too many parents substitute child learning with the TV.
Mia, North East, UK

My son is due to start reception next April when he will be 5. He missed the cut-off date for an earlier intake. I think by then he will be ready for this but as a parent I will be making sure that I help him with his studies. I do think that homework gets forced on children too early. I have no recollection of having homework before 11, yet the local schools gives homework to children at 5+. Parents should help children at all stages of development and work with nurseries and schools etc to help them get the best out of the child and to aid the child's enjoyment of the whole learning experience.
Lin, UK

Finland has one of the highest standards of education in Europe, yet we go to school at the age of 7, although nowadays children start some form of 'practice' school at the age of 6. It is not the age that matters, it is how the system works. I learnt to read when I was 4 years old but at the same time I enjoyed my childhood to the fullest and was never 'forced to play', whatever that means...
Sanna, London, UK

Aren't these the same inspectors who produced reports criticising primary education that resulted in the current system they are now producing reports criticising.
Gerry, Scotland

Concentrate more on teamwork, responsibility and open mindedness Matt, Cambridge

We need to encourage children to want to learn, not force it on them. And also not bother with all the feats of memory and concentrate more on teamwork, responsibility, open mindedness, enjoyment of sport.
Matt, Cambridge

I don't think you can dictate when any particular child is 'old enough' to learn. In my own case I was very curious about the world, learnt to read at the age of 3 and probably would have been bored if had been forced to play rather than read. Also as a shy child who was a natural target for bullies, being forced into playing with other children for longer than I was able to cope with at that age could easily have damaged me much more psychologically than any so-called academic 'hot housing' did.
Caroline, UK

What we have to question is why are our children being made to learn too young. Having taught 11 year olds in a school in Germany, I was amazed by both their level of ability and approach, which had been impressed upon them throughout their schooling. However, it strikes me that the Government has an ulterior motive in this country: to beef up the stats in school tests and thereby beef up the votes at the election.
Stephen Holland, Sheffield, UK

I think learning young is good but it should be done in a more imaginative way to gradually bring the children on. Lets face it if we make it to structured the kids will hate it, and if they hate it they wont learn.
steve, London

The English education system needs a complete overhaul Doug , London, UK

I think that the English education system needs a complete overhaul. If anything go back to the stricter days. We should not be 'dumbing down' our system any further but making sure our children have an excellent ground in grammar, mathematics and science/logical thinking. Far too many pupils still cannot read and write by the age of 7.
Doug , London, UK