March 13 2024- The report highlights that one in four children starting school in England and Wales are not toilet-trained, leading to teachers spending a significant amount of time supporting pupils who are not school-ready. Many children struggle with basic skills such as sitting still, playing or sharing with others, dressing themselves, and using books correctly. This lack of readiness results in teachers diverting 2.5 hours a day away from teaching to provide support, impacting learning time. The additional pressures are also affecting staff retention, with almost half of teachers considering leaving their roles. There is a notable divide between parental and teacher views, as most parents believe their child is school-ready, while teachers report significant challenges in school readiness.
