Using books as discussion prompts can help children with language delay

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Since the pandemic, more children have been starting school without being “school-ready”.

In 2022-23, 33% of all children starting reception in England did not have the skills needed for success in school, rising to 45% of children receiving free school meals.

Language deficits are a significant part of a lack of school readiness. These include the failure both to understand and produce language, driven by a lack of vocabulary. These skills are important for regulating attention and behaviour.