A quarter of toddlers in Shropshire can't communicate properly

Action for Children said the first few years of a child's life are "critical" for their development and called on the Government to address regional disparities across England.

Office for Health Improvement and Disparities figures show 292 of 397 children aged between two and two-and-a-half in Shropshire met the expected ability for communication in the three months to March.

It meant 105 children (26.4%) did not have normal communication skills for their age.

The figures also show that more than a quarter of toddlers in Telford and Wrekin can't communicate properly. 296 of 409 children aged between two and two-and-a-half in Telford and Wrekin met the expected ability for communication in the three months to March.

It meant 113 children (27.6%) did not have normal communication skills for their age, according to the data.

Across England, 14% of children failed to meet the expected communication standard, however there was great variation in development from area to area.