What does school readiness mean anyway?

It is that time of year when families are starting to think about the upcoming transition to school.  'School readiness' is a complex and often contentious concept which is interpreted differently by families, early childhood educators and primary schools.  To make it more confusing there can sometimes even be disagreement between different parties on its exact meaning.  Over the coming months there will be a series of posts here on the website which include varying perspectives on school readiness.