Children starting school struggling to talk, teachers warn

Many children lack basic skills when starting primary school
Many children lack basic skills when starting primary school (PA Archive)
  • Teachers are reporting a significant increase in the number of children starting primary school with underdeveloped communication skills.
  • A new survey reveals that 90 per cent of Primary School teachers have observed a decline in Children's speech and language abilities since 2020.
  • Many children lack basic skills such as responding to their name, using the toilet independently, and using cutlery.
  • A coalition of early years organisations has published a list of skills Children should ideally have before starting reception, including basic self-care, social interaction, and attention skills.
  • Teachers attribute the decline in language skills to factors such as reduced conversational time with parents, increased screen time, and the impact of the pandemic.
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