Reception class children are shining in Medway and have been rated above the national average for their development in a government survey.

The Early Years Foundation Stage Profile (EYFSP) assessed children at the end of their first primary school year.

It showed that 57% of the 3,319 Medway children in the study had a good level of development compared to a 52% national average.

To reach this level, children have to achieve early learning goals in 12 out of 17 areas of development.

They include reading, writing, mathematics, physical development, and understanding the world.

The result puts Medway Council 23rd in a government national league table out of 151 local authorities supporting schools.

Neighbouring Kent fared better than Medway in the percentage of children meeting the target for literacy at 71 per cent, compared to 62 per cent in Medway and in maths where the result was 78 per cent in Kent as opposed to 68 per cent.

Cllr Mike O’Brien, in charge of children’s services, said: "The results for Medway have been steadily improving over the last 10 years.

"This is due in part to initiatives like the Sure Start children’s centres that the council has opened with the health service.

"It’s also down to the fact that we have expanded the number of Medway schools with nurseries or early years classes to more than half.

"It’s pleasing too for schools to know that they have children making a bright start at this early stage."