British life-style: Nearly a third of kids can't use books when starting school

Staff report around 28% of children started school unable to eat and drink independently, and 25% had difficulty with basic life skills, Sky News reports.

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.

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."

Nearly all parents (94%) said they would like to see national guidance on making sure their child is school ready.

read more in our Telegram-channel https://t.me/The_International_Affairs