Survey finds rising numbers of reception pupils struggling with basic life skills such as eating independently
About one in four children who started reception in 2025 were not toilet trained, a survey of teachers has found, prompting warnings that growing numbers of pupils are struggling with basic life skills.
In an annual survey of primary school staff in England by the early years charity Kindred Squared, teachers estimated that 26% of the children in their reception class were having frequent toilet mishaps, rising to more than one in three (36%) in the north-east.
The survey also found that 28% of children were unable to eat and drink independently and 25% were struggling with other basic life skills.
Kindred Squared said increasing numbers of children were arriving at the school gate “without the basic life skills needed to engage with the curriculum”. Staff also reported that 28% of pupils were not able to use books correctly – for example, they were trying to swipe or tap pages like a phone or tablet.
