Parents of school-starters worried about the impact Covid has had on their development

The findings are taken from a survey of 250 parents of children starting school in September by parenting programme Triple P.

Parents surveyed highlighted how their children have missed out on play dates and attending playgroups and pre-school settings during lockdowns, which they claimed have held them back. They also said how they themselves had been unable to build their own parenting support network.

More than a third said they thought their child is behind developmentally, academically and socially.

Parents listed the following 'school-readiness' skills they were worried their child lacked:

• Not having a bedtime routine.
• Not being able to hold a pencil correctly.
• Unable to zip up a coat.
• Unable to look after their belongings.

However, half of those surveyed that they weren’t confident they knew what their child should be doing developmentally at this age.

The survey also showed that many parents do not know where to look for parenting support, while three-quarters felt that there is a stigma attached to asking for help. Just 9 per cent of said they would seek out a parenting programme for support.

'Life might have returned to normal in many respects, but it will take extra support to get four-and-five-year-olds up to speed.'

Matt Buttery, UK chief executive of Triple P, said, ‘The pandemic was an extremely difficult time for parents. For those who have children starting primary school, it’s understandable that they still feel quite isolated. Life might have returned to normal in many respects, but it will take much needed extra support to get four-and-five-year-olds up to speed.

‘Family Hubs are a great example of how we can achieve this - providing access to a range of services under one roof. We’re calling for the new Prime Minister to ensure parenting support and programmes are widely available, to help parents build their support network as well as make their child’s school-life a success.’

Commenting on the research, Dame Andrea Leadsom, chairman of the Early Years Healthy Development Review, said, ‘These findings demonstrate the extent of support that's still needed for those who were only babies during Covid lockdowns, but who now start school.

'As chairman of the Early Years Healthy Development Review, I'm incredibly proud of the work we've done to introduce joined up start for life services in Family Hubs. Every parent and carer should have access to the vital support needed to help their baby get the best start for life, and it is a priority that in rolling out new family hubs we destigmatize services such as parenting programmes.I look forward to working with the next Prime Minister to make the new funded services a huge success in supporting the social and emotional development of every baby.'