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