The figures for 2011 show that just 44 per cent of pupils in this group achieved a good level of development in areas such as communication, play and social interaction.
This is 18 per cent below the proportion of pupils who are not eligible for free school meals who attained this level of development.
However, the figures show that the gap is narrowing. Only 40 per cent of pupils who are eligible for free school meals were developing to a good level in 2010 and in 2007 just under 30 per cent of this group achieved this level of development.
Child Poverty Action Group spokesman Tim Nicholls said: "The extension of free childcare to more two years olds is part of what is needed be we also need to look at the situation at home and make sure families have all the resources they need."
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