Nearly a third of kids can't use books when starting school

A recent survey revealed that nearly one-third of children starting school struggle with basic skills. Many cannot use books properly, sometimes attempting to swipe them like phones. Additionally, 25% were not toilet trained, and 28% couldn't eat or drink independently.

Teachers reported that excessive screen time contributed to children being unprepared for school. The survey indicated that 37% of pupils were not "school ready," an increase from previous years.

Felicity Gillespie, chief executive of Kindred Squared, described the situation as "a systemic crisis." The government aims for 75% of children to be school ready by 2028.