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An infant school has been forced to hire a full-time “nappy-changer” because so many pupils are not toilet trained.

Teachers have been left horrified at the lack of basic skills shown by five-year-olds in reception class.

The unnamed infants’ in Walsall, West Mids, now pays the nappy-changer to help children during the day.

Schools have also warned many youngsters cannot dress themselves or hold a pencil or cutlery properly.

Chris Towe, Walsall Council's portfolio holder for education, said he was “shocked” at what he had been told.

(Image: Getty Images/Johner RF)

He held meetings with the headteachers of 80 infant and primary schools to discuss the “massive issue”.

They told him many youngsters are developmentally two or three years behind where they should be.

Some cannot wash themselves, hold conversations with adults or even turn pages of a book correctly.

Mr Towe told the BBC: “We are talking about five-year-olds here and it is not acceptable.

“It’s a massive issue. I was quite shocked really. If they haven't got basic skills, how can they be educated?

(Image: Getty Images/Dorling Kindersley)

“There is an infant school in Walsall that employs someone to change nappies of children.

“This cannot go on. If it doesn't stop it is going to get even worse.

“Clearly many parents have not been taking responsibility in making sure their children are ready for school.”

The Tory-run council plans to send letters informing parents of the skills children need and where to get help.

Local Labour councillor Diane Coughlan said the borough was home to many struggling families.

She added: “For many parents, school readiness is simple not a priority for them.

“Apart from simply sending a letter what other support will they be given?”

(Image: Labour)

Ofsted says teachers are becoming stand-in parents dealing with everything from toilet training to knife crime.

Chief schools inspector Amanda Spielman said it did not leave enough time to teach kids to read and write.

She warned last year that many parents had given up responsibility for discipline, healthy eating and manners.

A survey of 700 education staff in 2016 suggested the number of children starting school in nappies had risen.

According to NHS guidelines, four-year-olds are expected to remain dry during the day.

They should also be able to dress, undress and brush their teeth themselves and hold a book correctly.