Children barely able to speak in sentences, some still in nappies under their school uniform, some unable to use a knife and fork. These are just a few of the challenges faced by reception teachers of the class of 2019.

In an exclusive survey carried out by this programme, 82% of reception class teachers say increasing numbers of children aren’t adequately prepared for school.

Nearly two thirds say they’ve seen an increase in the numbers of new pupils not toilet trained. They told us about children who didn’t recognise books, swiping them like tablets. And – with some parents delegating story time to technology – is Alexa becoming nanny?

Teachers warn more children starting school unprepared and not potty-trained