Speaking at an event in Buckinghamshire this morning, Starmer said that by 2028, three-quarters of five-year-olds will be school ready.
In his speech, Starmer said this would represent a “record proportion” of school-ready children.
He said: “One in three children not ready for school at the age of five…kids in reception, who aren’t starting to read…they’re struggling to speak.
"It is a scandal…an affront to the British value of equal respect…if we do not give every child, whatever their background…a fair chance to succeed.”
Research earlier this year by the Centre for Young Lives and Child of the North found that 33% of children start reception class without the skills and knowledge to succeed at school. This rate rose to 45% for children eligible for free school meals.
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