Children are arriving at school wearing nappies, says commissioner

Children are arriving at school still wearing nappies and using buggies after the pandemic delayed their 'school readiness', a former children's tsar has warned.

Anne Longfield, who was the Government's children's commissioner during lockdown, said the situation is burdening already overstretched schools.

In addition, she said staff are having to deal with children who have not developed the communication skills to socialise with peers.

Children starting reception over the last few years have had their baby and toddler years blighted by Covid restrictions.

It is thought many were slow to pass key milestones due to isolation and parents' lack of access to early intervention services.

Read More

Anger as pupils set to get 'dumbed down' Covid-era GCSE exams for three more years

A new report from Mrs Longfield's think-tank, the Centre for Young Lives, and the Child of the North, has found a third of children were not considered to be 'school ready' in 2022/23.

This means they were not able to carry out basic tasks such as going to the toilet, dressing, listening, holding a pencil or using a knife and fork.

The report calls on the Government to implement parenting programmes and home visits by trained professionals to increase support to families.

Mrs Longfield said: 'I have heard many concerning experiences from school staff about children arriving at Reception wearing nappies, still using buggies, and unable to communicate at the expected level or to socialise with other children.

'Some of these children have developmental problems, struggle with speech and behaviour, and can require significant extra attention and support from already overstretched schools.'

Schools and nurseries have 'high levels of concern' around speech and language, with significant numbers of children below age-related expectations at the end of Reception, the report said.

The research — which looked at Early Years Foundation Stage data on five-year-olds' development in England — suggested school readiness varied by demographic.

It said 72 per cent of pupils who were not eligible for free school meals were 'school ready' in 2022/23, compared to just 52 per cent of FSM-eligible children.

It highlighted the postcode lottery of school readiness, with just 59 per cent of children in Manchester 'school ready' compared to 84 per cent in London.