Infant school hired a dedicated nappy-changer - because its five-year-old children can't use the toilet

A primary school has had to hire a nappy changer because so many of its younger pupils are not yet potty trained.

The situation at the unnamed school was brought up by a leading member of Walsall Council, who said it was an example of one of various ways children are not fully ready to start school.

BirminghamLive reported in a statement to a council meeting, the education chief Councillor Chris Towe said letters would be sent out to parents telling them the basic skills their children ought to have when they start school.

He said headteachers had raised concerns that many youngsters were two or three years behind where they should be, with many unable to hold a pen properly, use knives and forks correctly, wash their hands and faces, hold conversations with adults, dress themselves, turn pages correctly or go to the toilet independently.

Coun Towe told the meeting on Monday: "There is an infant school in Walsall that employs someone to change nappies of children. We are talking about five year olds here and it is not acceptable.

"Clearly, over the years, many parents have not been taking responsibility in making sure their children are ready for school.

"This can't go on and I have had total support from schools and nurseries over this.”

Children are struggling with various basic skills, the council meeting heard (Getty)

Labour's Diane Coughlan blamed the Conservative government for scrapping Sure Start centres.

She said: "I agree that children start school behind where they should be and are playing catch up.

"But we have a lot of children part of vulnerable families with a lot of issues. Sure Start Centres used to tackle these issues but they were scrapped due to austerity.

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"For many parents, school readiness is simply not a priority for them so apart from simply sending a letter, what other support will they be given?"

Councillor Towe said: "The letter will give advice on what they can do or where they can get help but this is a first step to try to engage with parents so they understand their responsibilities."