Almost a third of children who started reception last year were not able to use books correctly, sometimes even trying to swipe or tap them like a smartphone, a survey has found.
Around one in four were not toilet trained, amid warnings more children are struggling with basic life skills.
In an annual survey of primary school staff by early years charity Kindred Squared, teachers estimated 26% of the children in their reception class this year were having frequent toilet mishaps, rising to more than one in three (36%) in the North East.
Staff also report around 28% of children started school unable to eat and drink independently.
Over half of staff said children’s and parents’ excessive screentime was a key factor in children not being ready for school.
It comes amid a government push to increase the proportion of children arriving in reception “school ready”, with developmental milestones including basic language skills, being able to eat, go to the toilet, and dress themselves independently.
However, Kindred’s survey of 1,000 primary staff found they estimated over one in three (37%) children are starting reception without being school ready, a jump from 33% in 2024.
‘A systemic crisis’
More significant drops in school readiness were reported by teachers in the North East, West Midlands, and North West.
Staff estimated they are spending 1.4 hours a day changing nappies or helping children who are not toilet trained, and 2.4 hours teaching time a day was lost due to pupils lacking basic skills.
Kindred Squared chief executive Felicity Gillespie said: “This is no longer just a classroom issue; it is a systemic crisis fuelled by stretched school resources, low expectations, the rising cost of living, and by parents who lack the right information and understanding early enough to truly support their children’s development.”
The government has set a target for 75% of children to be school ready by 2028.
In the latest Department for Education figures, 68.3% of children were judged to have a good level of development by the end of reception in 2024/25, a slight increase from the previous year.
However, in a survey of 1,000 parents of four and five-year olds, 88% said their child was ready to start school this year, and more than one in three (35%) said their child was more ready than most children.
Read more from Sky News:
Kids’ social media ban now feels almost certain
Doula warning issued after baby’s death
Nearly all parents (94%) said they would like to see national guidance on making sure their child is school ready.
The government has been focusing investment in early years’ education, distributing £12m across 65 local areas to build Best Start family hubs, which will offer parenting support and youth services.
Follow our channel and never miss an update.
But Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders’ union NAHT, said: “More support before children start school in the early years is crucial – both for pupils and for families.
“As this report points out, it can be overwhelming for parents to know where to start and what to prioritise.
“Early identification and intervention to support children with SEND would also make a big difference – increasing levels of Send will be partly causing these rising numbers.”
