Thousands of Covid generation under-fives excluded from schools in England

Experts say many more children are starting school with undiagnosed language and learning difficulties which can lead to behavioural problems. Photograph: Chris Bull/Alamy

Children as young as four are being excluded from schools in England in increasing numbers as they struggle to cope in a classroom setting, with many still in nappies or unable to talk fully.

According to the latest government data, 11,695 children aged five and under were given fixed-term exclusions in England in the 2021-22 academic year, which was 11% higher than 2018-19.