UK Teachers & Parents: At what age are children expected to learn some independence?

Question

I am an American preschool teacher who recently got a new addition to my class - a 4-year-old girl from England. This child is having a hard time getting used to the new environment, mostly because she is very dependent on adults for her basic needs. For instance, she asks a teacher to wipe her nose, put on her socks, and so on. This is not her first preschool setting; she was in preschool back in England.

My question is, could this just be the result of an overbearing parent, or do English daycares/preschools not teach independence until children are older? I know this is a generalization... I'm just asking for your impression so I can start figuring out if it's the kid, the parents, or just learned helplessness.

Answer 1

Learned helplessness Id say. I taught Early Years in the UK for many years and we teach all the usual things - she should be independent as far as those things go. She should be able to put a coat on, be responsible for hats/scarves etc and certainly blow her nose. Good Luck.

Answer 2

toddler