Over 300,000 children are being taught by unqualified nursery staff, a charity has warned, amid concerns that children are starting school unable to read or write.

There are over 10,000 nurseries, playgroups and children's centres across the country where staff do not have suitable qualifications, according to figures obtained by Save the Children.

An analysis of data obtained through Freedom of Information requests by the charity reveals that there is a shortage of around 11,000 early years teachers in England.

The warning comes after Education Secretary Damian Hinds said it is a "persistent scandal" that youngsters are starting school unable to talk in full sentence or read simple words.

He pledged to halve the numbers of youngsters beginning their schooling without the early speaking and reading skills they need at that age.

Steven McIntosh, Save The Children director of UK poverty, urged ministers to invest in high quality childcare, arguing that this would ensure children have the relevant skills to start school aged four.

“High-quality childcare, led by graduate early years teachers, can ensure children are ready for school,” he said.

"Many early years teachers are leaving the profession or are close to retirement and the numbers starting training are plummeting.”