Children starting school are trying to swipe on books as if they were digital devices, a damning new report has found..

According to the annual survey of reception teachers, more than a quarter of children are unable to eat and drink independently with others struggling with basic language skills.

The annual survey of primary school staff by the early years charity Kindred Squared found 26 per cent of the children in their Reception class this year were having frequent toilet mishaps, up from 24 per cent last year.

Figures showed 25 per cent did not have basic language skills, such as being able to say their name and answer simple questions.

The survey of 1,000 primary school staff found 37 per cent of children are starting reception not school-ready, up from 33 per cent in 2024.

This includes basic language skills, being able to eat, go to the toilet and dress themselves independently as well as sit, play and listen with other children.

Labour is hoping to get this figure down to 25 per cent.

Reception staff also estimated they were spending 1.4 hours a day changing nappies or helping children who were not toilet trained, and in total lost 2.4 hours teaching time a day due to a lack of basic skills.

Chief executive of Kindred Squared Felicity Gillespie said: “The state of school readiness has reached a critical moment.

“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.”

In a separate survey, 94 per cent of parents said they would like to see national guidance on making sure their child was school-ready.

The research of found 88 per cent of parents said their child was ready to start school this year and 35 per cent said their child was more ready than most children.

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